A tale of tradition, pride and responsibility

The long-standing tradition of the Purple Gown continues, as students Alicia Barrett and Uroš Gluščević take over the coveted role of School Captains for 2021/22. The post of School Captain is not to be underestimated, it is a title that holds responsibility, pressure, but also pride, which many OWs carry with them for the rest of their lives. We spoke with Derry girl, Alicia, and Mason boy, Uroš, ahead of their year of Captaincy. What is the best thing about being School Captain?

A: My favourite thing about being School Captain is that it allows me to give back to the Worksop Community after everything they have done and continue to do by working closely with Dr Price and Uros. It gives me the chance to voice both mine and other students opinions and influence positive change.

U: My favourite thing about being School Captain is probably representing the School. I love talking to people about my experience at Worksop College as an international boarder, especially at open days.

Who inspired you to take the role as Captain of School?

A: Previous captains from over the years have inspired me as I would like to have a positive impact on other students, just like they had on me.

U: I was inspired by my tutor, Mr Tattersall. He believed in me from my first day at the school and motivated me to take up a position of responsibility. His support throughout my first year meant a lot to me and gave me the confidence that I would do well as Head Boy.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far at Worksop College?

A: My greatest achievement was being chosen for the role of School Captain as this is something I had been working towards since I started my time at Worksop College. As well as this, I’m proud to have been able to achieve my Gold Duke of Edinburgh with the school as well as my Grade 7 Music Theatre.

U: Even though it’s still a work in progress, I am proud of the volunteering team I am on and the garden we are making in Manton. I find projects like these very important, as our work will hopefully serve the local community long after I have left the College.

What do you want to achieve during your time as School Captain?

A: I want to make sure that all the students feel like they’ve been heard and have had a chance to put their views forward. With there being so many opportunities within the school, I want to be make sure that the pupils are aware and encouraged to participate so they can continue to grow as a person.

U: Currently, my main focus is the prefect charity. I hope that our team will be able to realise our ambitions, one of which is bringing back the fun run in the summer.

What do you want to do when you hang up your purple gown and your time is up at Worksop College?

A: I am looking forward to starting university so I can study zoo biology and wildlife conservation, as it’s something I’ve always been fascinated with, as well as volunteering in South Africa next summer after. I also have some exciting opportunities coming up with my motor racing since joining a competition called Formula Woman, and I can’t wait to see where this may take me.

U: I plan to stay in the UK and go to university to study computer science. Although I have no doubts I will enjoy university, I know I will miss the time spent in Worksop, and I hope to come back one day.

Do you have any advice for future students at Worksop College?

A: Make sure to focus on the present as well as the future and don’t take things for granted. Take part in any opportunity that comes your way even if it’s out of your comfort zone! Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and to see them as learning opportunities.

U: The best way to learn anything is to try, fail and keep trying, and Worksop College is the perfect place to get to understand and develop your talents, so you should never back down from an opportunity to try something new and exciting while you are here. Alicia Barrett

Uroš Gluščević

PrefectTeam 2021/22