You found out you had been voted in as Head Girl and Head Boy during the first lockdown – how did you find out and how did you feel? Poppy - Samuel and I both received a phone call from Mrs Kirby during our Geography lesson, It came as a very pleasant surprise for the both of us, we were both over the moon with the opportunity. However, celebrating the role was very difficult seeing as we were in the midst of lockdown! This has not been an average year as Head Girl and Head Boy. How have you found it? Poppy - It certainly has been very different as head girl and boy, compared to how we have seen the role play out in previous years. However, this year more than ever the school has needed some form of stability and reassurance which I have tried hard to provide. I hope the whole community has appreciated our presence and have felt able to come and speak to us throughout our time as heads of school, even though a large chunk of it was spent communicating over a screen! What would you say were the highlights of the year? Samuel - Speaking at the Celebration Evenings was a lovely challenge to try and sum up what has been a very busy year in a short speech. Our open mornings were also particularly fun as we had the opportunity to meet pupils who may join us it’s lovely to meet others outside of our community, hear their stories and show them our school. Poppy: I think I am most proud of our speech at the Celebration Evenings and also our (virtual) speech for the OSA dinner, it was a great opportunity to actually get a message out to the whole Shebbearian community. Samuel and I both put a lot of work into these speeches and it was a great feeling of accomplishment when we had delivered them.
P84
THE SHEBBEARIAN 2021
And the worst parts? Poppy - Not being able to be as visible around the school and getting to know pupils better has been difficult due to restrictions through the ‘bubble system’. I am also very upset that I was never able to say “will you please stand” in Chapel as our Chapel services have all been virtual this year! What subjects have you been studying in the Sixth Form and how have you juggled school work with your Sanctuary duties? Samuel: Biology, Chemistry and Geography. Juggling them has on some occasions been a little challenging but our subject teachers and the wider school have been very supportive in recognising the importance of our studies. I have found it helpful to keep a bullet journal to manage my time and prioritising engagements and deadlines! Poppy: Geography, English and Economics. This year has been very different to previous years, in terms of what the role encompasses, it seems to have been more virtual tours and interviews in contrast to being able to meet people in person. At times it has been difficult to determine what needs to be prioritised but it all seems to fall into place. I like to keep note of what needs to be done in my diary and take every week as it comes. What are your plans for the future? Samuel - Currently I’m interested in Emergency Medicine and pairing that with my interests in the outdoors perhaps working as an Expedition Doctor but who knows - I may change my mind many times in the next few years.
