Head Girl and Head Boy June 2017
Jamie Andrews I believe I am a really good candidate to be Head Boy because I can represent the views of a wide range of students at the school. I am also approachable and easy to talk to. I spend a lot of time at this place - as we all do - and in the 4 years that I have been here I believe I have developed a good understanding of how things work at Stringer. It's a huge school and it's sometimes difficult to feel that your voice is heard but I can speak on behalf of people who find it difficult to talk to teachers. I am heavily involved with the music department - which means I get to be part of quite a lot of what happens here. I feature much less often in the Stringer sport department but I am good friends with a few people who are good at sport and we speak the same language. If I get to be Head Boy, I promise to do my very best for the school and to try very hard to make everybody's life a little bit better!
Sebastian Charleton I believe I would be well suited to the role of Head Boy because I think my determination and experience puts me in the best place to make the changes at Stringer that will benefit all of us. I have gone from being a Form Captain, to a YLT member, to a JLT member so I understand how the decision-making process in Stringer works. So, if you vote for me you will increase my influence in these important committees to bring about the changes you want. I want to continue the work the SLC and Uniform Committee are doing to allow shorts to be worn for a longer period of time in the school calendar, have sanctions less focussed on uniform and more on classroom disruption and have mental health treated as equally as physical health within the school. I am aware that if I become Head Boy I can t just click my fingers and make all the changes you want happen overnight. However, if chosen I will try my absolute hardest to make your voice heard. I believe the role of Head Boy is as much about representing the school at public events as it is about making change. I hope to be a confident and friendly face for Stringer at these events. In conclusion, I know I can be an approachable, caring and inclusive Head Boy who will change Stringer for the better.
Sam Buchanan As head boy/deputy head boy, I would help represent your views and opinions towards school matters, things you d like to see changed or improved. I would be able to work with the team around me to help communicate your ideas to heads of departments, the SLT and the Head. As head boy, I would strive to create a stronger school community, where everyone s voice is heard and respected. I would like to expand and create even more of a variety when it comes to extra-curricular activities, to spark more interest for different social groups. I would be here to listen to everyone s suggestions, ideas and comments and give the same amount of respect to absolutely everyone. Even if you don t vote for me, I hope you make the right decision and pick the candidate that you think will give something back to our school and its students. Thank you, I would really appreciate your vote.
Reuben J Brown I think Dorothy Stringer is the best school in Brighton. Honestly, I really believe that. No blazers, no ties, and the Pasta King isn t even that watery anymore. This is a school of caring teachers with our best interests at heart. It is a school with a leadership team that is ready to do new and unconventional things to get the best for the students. But most of all it s a school of us, a community of hard-working, creative people who are dynamic and confident. That is why I want to be Head Boy: I am passionate about this school and I am proud of it. The role of Head Student is to represent the school and to represent you. I will put your views forward in meetings with heads of the school, and will represent the school confidently in public speeches. As co-chair of the Junior Leadership Team, I am working to improve communication between staff and students, because I want to make sure that every student s voice is heard. During the next year I intend to improve communication and transparency between staff and students by bringing back scheduled form time discussion sessions and bringing in an SLG newsletter item feeding back our progress. I want to make Dorothy Stringer the best it can be. I am confident in myself, and I am confident in this school. I will work hard for Stringer to represent it, and to represent you.
Jordan Morris My name is Jordan Morris and I would like to apply for the honourable role of your head boy. I see myself as a confident, mindful, and loyal student who is kind and considerate towards others, always willing to help or offer support. In addition, I find that I am able to communicate effectively while also being a keen listener, happy to hear and value your thoughts or concerns. I am committed to volunteering time in order to do my utmost to meet your needs and support you through any situation or concern you may have. Despite the fact that I'm applying for the role of head boy, I am still just like each and every one of you. I have shared your experiences, concerns, and problems. My main aim is to work with you all in order to put your values and ideas forward to ensure that everyone s views are equally heard and respected. Therefore, if I was granted the duty of head boy, on behalf of you all I would be willing to act as a spokesperson along with the head girl to make sure that we can develop altogether along with the school.
Henry Austin By now I'm sure you're all sick of elections, so I ll keep this short. (I have years of experience at being short!) Actually, I hesitated to apply for any Senior role; however, it struck me just how crucial the role is - it must be done with integrity. I believe this so strongly that I m willing to do it myself if that s what it takes. Getting our voices heard and views actioned changes our personal lives as well as school culture. Staff do want to hear us - society is changing rapidly and we re on the front-line. While we gain education we re also learning the resilience for future challenges. Fine, but what do I know about handling real-life problems? You might say I m too lucky: friends-for-life; decent grades; good teachers; family; interests I will say: I have known what it s like to have my rights seriously contravened, and I survived because of people who cared enough to listen and represent me. And that is life-changing. And yes, I am familiar with some troubling aspects of school-culture on the ground. The Senior Prefect roles created to work beside staff present a seriously powerful opportunity for us. I ll seek routes to gain support and action for students who need it. I ll be proud to speak publicly on behalf of students whose trust in staff is rewarded. Despite my viciously-intimidating mugshot, I m applying because the principle of representation matters - to me and every student here.
Billy Wheeler Hi there, for those of you who don t know me, my name is Billy Wheeler and I m gonna tell you why you should consider voting for me to be Head Boy. Firstly, I ll listen to your voice no matter who you are; I think every pupil s voice is equal and that they all matter, so even if you re someone who I don t yet know I m sure you ll find me friendly and approachable. Basically, as long as you re alright, we ll be alright. I believe I would be a valuable leader for our school (the best one around) as my policies are influenced by our lord and (hopeful) saviour Sir Jezza Corbz. Just like my man Jeremy famously once said, it is time for us to take back the power and give it to the pupils of Dorothy Stringer. I m here to clear the fields of litter, maximise the amount of bins and most importantly reduce the amount of water in Pasta King. Vote for a leadership which is strong and stable, not weak and feeble. Vote for the one who cares for the many, not the pretentious few. Also, I d appreciate if you wouldn t judge my leadership ability on my school photo I was having a bad hair (head) day. Therefore, on election day I will be relying on you, just like you can rely on me, to make a change.
Madeleine Dodd I would like to apply for the role of Head Girl because I want to help make this school a safe, enjoyable and enriching environment for students. I am a hard-working, responsible and determined student and I believe that everyone' s voices should be heard. I will listen to pupils ideas, requests and any concerns for this school and forward them to meetings. I strive to achieve and set a good example for the younger years and to create a comfortable and memorable environment for what can be a very stressful last year. I want to leave this school knowing that I have given something back and made a difference. Previously, I have held many other positions of responsibility such as form rep, peer mentor, the Youth Leadership Team and now a History prefect. In every one of these roles I have been punctual, responsible and always up for a challenge. One thing I would like to focus on is mental health. It is a big problem in today's society and I'm sure that everyone has experienced some form of mental health issues. Especially with exams coming up, I expect many people to be feeling under a lot of pressure and stress. However I would like to help and improve our facilities at school in order to prevent mental health affecting students enjoying their time at Dorothy Stringer. I hope that you consider me in taking the role of Head Girl and I promise to work hard to improve this school.
Florence Unwin I believe that I would be a good choice for the role of Head Girl because I have the qualities necessary to give the student body a stronger voice. I am a confident speaker, and would have no problem in standing up for what we, as students, want and need. My problem-solving skills and creativity mean that I would be able to make useful contributions and improvements to the school, and come up with solutions to any issues that arise. I am a friendly and approachable person who gets on with everyone, and would be able to make changes that people want and have asked for. Though I am independent and an effective team leader, I also recognise when to compromise, and I am an excellent listener. I am able to empathise with a wide range of people and respect diverse opinions. I always make time to listen to others suggestions and I would make sure that these reached school management. I am dedicated and versatile, and will step outside my comfort zone to get a job done. If I became Head Girl, one of my main aims would be to improve the reward system for ATL, making rewards consistent, fair and a more effective incentive. However, I would always be open to new suggestions and improvements from others. I believe I would be a competent and capable Head Girl thank you for considering my reasons for applying for this role.
Maggie Skitmore I believe I'd be great for the role of head girl because I care about what people have to say and I think it's important that people are heard. I would listen to and consider any ideas or suggestions put forward and be consistent with the amount of work and time spent as head girl. I work very hard when I put my mind to something and the role of Head Girl is something I've always aspired to. I'd really enjoy being Head Girl because I really like leadership roles and responsibility. I know I'd do well in this position because I like getting involved with school activities and extra curricular clubs and volunteering. To conclude, I think you should vote for me because I know I'd do a great job in the role of Head Girl.
Grace Blair Anyone can write an application detailing their plethora of achievements, and list off every reason as to why they should be Head Girl. Head Girl to me is more than just an empty title to impress colleges I apply to; it is a crucial and integral role which demands extreme hard work, passion, and the ability to talk to and connect with people across the school. These are traits that I not only value, but have demonstrated through my constant dedication to the school and the work I ve done over the past years to improve everyday life for you. Why do I want to be Head Girl? I love this school. I know that many of you disagree; for most it s somewhere between Hell and simply okay, but Stringer has become a home to me above anywhere else. I m already in love with Stringer as Head Girl I want to do everything possible to make more of you feel the same way, whether it be making the Pasta King less watery, increasing indoor seating, or reducing pointless homework. As a member of the JLT and recently elected co-chair I have been able to begin putting these and similar changes forward, but the position of Head Girl would enable me to immediately put these ideas forward and make a real difference. Stringer is my home; when I leave, I want to leave behind a school even better than the one I fell in love with.
Maya Smith I would like to be Head Girl because I believe I can make some real changes in our school. As a member of the JLT I know how to go about bringing these changes forward. I think it s important to make sure everyone in the school has a way to contribute their ideas and help make them happen. I m friendly and approachable and I hope this will encourage students to come to me with their ideas and be part of the student voice. I understand the responsibility that comes with being Head Girl; I am not afraid to commit to the extra work and time required and will take it on with enthusiasm and dedication. I have good public speaking and speech writing skills which would be useful when speaking at events and representing our school. I would love the opportunity to act as Head Girl next year and I hope you will consider voting for me.
Anna Avard Year 10 I believe all students should have a voice at Stringer. If you vote for me, I guarantee I will speak out and represent your voice, whether that is about uniform, cookies, study leave or hair dyeing rules. I understand that within the school there are many things we want to change, I would love to be the person that can bring about that change. I am a very open minded person, willing to listen to you. I am happy to back up what the majority of students opinion is, and feel I am an approachable person who can put our ideas forward in a suitable way. I like to think I m friendly and would be good in welcoming younger students, and feel I would be a good role model. I recognise that as Head girl it is not about being better than anyone, it s about representing all of you with enthusiasm and honesty. I will do my best to get what the majority of us want and get rid of what we see as unfair. Thank you, please vote for me.
Lola Walters I m Lola Walters, and I m writing this to apply for the role of Head Girl; a position I would be privileged to hold and one that I believe I could contribute hugely to in an active and positive manner. As a well-rounded member of the Stringer community, working with and contributing to many of the different aspects of our school, I have greatly enjoyed working with other students to improve aspects of life at Stringer. I have and will endeavor to create a warm and inclusive school, with the ultimate aim of ensuring help and opportunities exist for everyone. Additionally, I believe that the Head Girl should not solely be a figurehead but take an active role in the school society, something I already strive to do. As Head Girl, I would seek to improve equality of opportunity for all, and attitudes to learning, as well as develop more possibilities for all groups and types of people whatever their interests are. I will strive to ensure all pupils know what is available to them and help where I can to bring new opportunities and insights to Stringer. I will aspire to be a unique, accessible and well-rounded Head Girl.
Lily Mountford Hi, my name is Lily and I d love to be your head girl. If you vote for me, I promise to work hard and do my best to make sure everyone s thoughts and ideas are heard. I think I am happy, hard-working and friendly which I hope makes me an easy person to talk to. I ve also been lucky enough to play an active role in the school community as a peer mentor and member of the JLT so now, I believe I have the communication skills and qualities to carry out the duties of a head girl. I promise to listen to all of you carefully to ensure I deliver a fair and clear voice to the school. I would love it if you could consider voting for me and it would be a honour to represent you.
Zoe Beresford-Wong Recent elections and political changes have made me realise the need to stand up for what you believe in and make yourself heard. Change in our country needs to be driven by an inspired generation, with roots and questioning that start and develop in school. In a few years, we will each have a vote, and that may even come sooner than we think if the voting age is lowered. Our school is a great school, but it s made greater by the diversity of it s students and staff of every shape, size, gender, belief, colour and ability. I have admired the role of head girl since year 7, but it is only recently that I ve felt the need to put myself forward for the position because I feel I can genuinely offer a voice that is representative of students and staff at Dorothy Stringer. I have learned to grow in confidence, understanding and compassion towards others. I would love the opportunity to share this, and provide an approachable resource for everyone to submit ideas for the school. We all do well in an atmosphere where we are interested in learning and I would like to create more ways to engage everyone. At Stringer, we enjoy participating in sport and the arts, and celebrate our many successes. However, I notice sometimes that we are embarrassed to do well and stick out academically. I have felt this way too. Rather than worrying only in the outcome and results, I would like to see us enjoy the process of learning as well and to be proud of that too.
Nancy Farris For me, the role of Head Girl is about representing all of the students to the staff and to the wider community. I believe that Dorothy Stringer pupils deserve committed and dedicated student leadership in order to make sure that every voice is heard. If given the opportunity to be Head Girl, I would work towards giving every student the chance to relay their opinions to the leadership teams. I already have experience in this through my volunteering as a Peer Mentor and two years on the YLT. Through my involvement in a wide variety of clubs and events, I have developed a good understanding of the school and I have had the opportunity to get to know a larger range of people than I otherwise would have. I think that I'm friendly, approachable and a good listener and I feel confident that I would be able perform the role of Head Girl to the best of my abilities.
List of candidates Head Boy Jamie Andrews Sebastian Charleton Sam Buchanan Reuben J Brown Jordan Morris Henry Austin Billy Wheeler Head Girl Madeleine Dodd Florence Unwin Maggie Skitmore Grace Blair Maya Smith Anna Avard Lola Walters Lily Mountford Zoe Beresford-Wong Nancy Farris