Many schools will have recently chosen their head pupils, depute head pupils, school/house captains, prefects or other pupil leaders.
As well as being a great addition for your CV and personal statement, being a pupil leader can help you develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and responsibility. Also, it is nice to be able to contribute to your school community and give something back.
I remember having the privilege of being selected to be a house captain during my final year of high school, an opportunity that I thoroughly enjoyed and was incredibly grateful for.
Here is some advice for those of you who will be serving as pupil leaders from August or perhaps pupils who are thinking of undertaking pupil leadership roles in future years.
Listen to other pupils
You are there to represent your fellow pupils and take forward their ideas. Talk to them about your school, what they like (or even dislike) and what they would like to see happen in the future. Younger pupils may feel more comfortable talking to senior pupils about this rather than their teachers (no offence to any teachers reading this).Â
Take the responsibility seriously
Your fellow pupils (and your teachers) are trusting you to represent them and your school. The role of pupil leader is likely to come with some responsibilities such as helping at school events, meeting and greeting visitors, organising clubs or events for pupils or attending pupil council meetings. Please make sure you go along to these and play a full part in your role as a pupil leader.
Be a positive role model
Younger pupils in the school will look up to you and follow your lead. Set a good example to them and help them out if they are lost, unsure or worried about something.
Suggest new ideas for your school
The whole point of school is for YOU. If you or your fellow pupils have an idea for your school that you think could benefit other pupils why not take this idea forward? Discuss your ideas with your teachers and see if it is possible to implement them.Â
