Prefect Hustings 2024
Prefect candidates shared their views of good leadership with fellow pupils and teachers as they vied to become part of Headington Rye Oxford’s first prefect team as a merged school.
In all, 42 L6 students from across Headington and Rye put themselves forward to be considered for one of 16 coveted prefect roles.
Pupils and staff packed out the Hive Lecture Theatre on Monday 4th March to hear 32 shortlisted candidates attempt to answer the question ‘what makes a good leader?’ within one minute. The impressive young women used props as varied as self-portraits, nesting dolls and flowering plants to support their arguments, while others drew on personal examples of effective leadership.
The hustings event was just one stage in the prefect application process. Those wishing to be considered had to write an application letter and film a short video, on the basis of which staff and pupils then voted as to who they believed would make a good prefect.
The process is designed to mirror what girls might face in later life when applying for jobs. Following the hustings, 13 girls were invited for interview with the Headmistress and Pastoral Director of Sixth Form this week for a position as Head Girl, Head of Day or Head of Boarding. The following week those being considered for the remaining 13 prefect roles will be invited to interview with relevant staff members.
Pastoral Director of Sixth Form Miss Hannah Leigh said: “Applying to be a prefect at Headington Rye Oxford is a comprehensive and perhaps daunting prospect and all those who took part should be commended for their courage, confidence and hard work.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by the depth of detail and careful thought which went into the speeches, applications and videos but also the presence of mind and maturity demonstrated during the hustings.
“It’s clear we have some excellent leaders of the future among the year group and I am really excited to be involved in selecting and working with our new prefect team.”
Prefects act as important representatives of and role models for the School at events such as open mornings and assessment days, with each also having specific responsibilities according to the position. In addition to the prefect roles, which cover key areas including Chapel, Charities, Diversity and Inclusion, Eco, Social and Wellbeing along with a prefect heading each academic year, L6 girls can also apply to be a student leader. These key roles cover everything from being leaders in academic subjects, to extra-curricular pursuits, to boarding houses and competitive houses, along with those with interests in other areas of school such as Marketing, International and Alumnae.
