Making King’s History

LEADERSHIP

Niamh Walsh

In 2020, with so many strong female leaders taking action around the world, it’s only natural that young girls are aspiring to take on more leadership roles. But who could have predicted, back in 1831 when The King’s School was established as an all boys’ school, that they would one day have a female School Captain.

To Niamh Walsh, 2020 School Captain of The King’s School, Tudor House, this achievement was exciting, yet, she finds her gender makes no difference. Niamh, growing up in the 21st century Southern Highlands, views being School Captain as just another amazing achievement on her list of accomplishments.

Since starting at Tudor House in Year 3, Niamh always wanted to be School Captain, yet, it was no easy journey to the top. When she began studying at the School there was only one other girl in her year, leaving her with no female role models in the Upper School. It wasn’t until 2017 that Tudor House became co-educational. Today, Tudor finishes Term 4 2020 with 75 girls enrolled and more on their way for 2021. It’s incredible in such a short time, the School now has a total of 190 students, 75 girls and 115 boys. What a fantastic ratio!

Tudor House could not have asked for a more well-rounded first female School Captain than with Niamh Walsh. Involved in just about every sport, playing one or two a season, including cross country, hockey, water polo, swimming and tennis, Niamh’s vast interests don’t stop there. If you can’t find her on the field or in the pool, she’s in the library reading with her friends. Her love and passion for learning at Tudor House is strong. “I love being able to be outside for class and having so much space to explore. I also love UOI (unit of inquiry), as there is so much freedom in it,” says Niamh, “We get to decide what we want to learn and how we want to learn it, of course within curriculum boundaries.”

After confidently delivering a persuasive speech on why she was the best leader,

Niamh was selected as School Captain by the entire student body. This was a great triumph for her as she was running against all other Year 5 students.

Since reigning as School Captain she has done so with grace, always caring for and helping her fellow classmates. “I strive to help all the students, especially the younger ones in the Lower School.” Her advice for the next School Captain, would be to, “ have balance and have fun”. Niamh always makes sure to find time to for her Tudor House friends.

Niamh Walsh will be starting at Ascham next year, but she will always be a part of the King’s family. We can expect to see great things from her in the years to come.