Introducing our Head Student Team for 2024

Hi everyone. Can you please introduce yourselves to the Lingfield Community?

Nathan Hi, my name is Nathan, and I'm very pleased to say that I am one of the new Head Students this year. I'm currently studying Computer Science, Physics and Maths at A Level. 

Daisy  My name is Daisy, and I am delighted to be one of the new Head Students this year. I am currently studying Art, Media, and Psychology A Level in the Sixth Form.

Olivia My name is Liv, and I am so excited to be one of your new deputy head students this year. I am currently studying Media, Psychology and Drama and have been at the school since nursery. I am really looking forward to being a part of the head student team this year!

Jack Hi, My name is Jack and I am studying Economics, Maths and Chemistry. I joined the school in year 7 and am looking forward to fulfilling my role as Deputy Head Student this year.  

Why did you want to become part of the Head Student Team?

Jack I wanted to become part of the head student team to be able to give back to the school that I have enjoyed coming to since year 7. I also wanted a chance to have an influence on school life and maybe become a role model to younger students. 

Daisy I have been at Lingfield since Reception, and have always been a person who looks up to the older years. Since being in sixth form I have had the realisation that I am now that role model for the younger years. I am proud to think that my younger self would look up to me now, so therefore I decided to apply to the Head Student team.

Olivia I have been at Lingfield College since I was 2 ½ years old, I feel there has always been a massive sense of community throughout my time here. A huge part of that is attributed to the Head Student Team. In the Prep School, I would look up to them as the type of person I would like to become, as they always seemed so approachable and friendly. I would absolutely love the privilege of making another child, just like I was, feel the same sense of comfort knowing there is a student who has been in their position who is always there to look out for them and help them and hopefully give them the same inspiration I was given to want to be part of this team.

Nathan I have been at Lingfield almost my entire life, my brother and cousins came to the school before me. I wanted to leave my mark on the school and give back to the community after being here for so many years.

What did the application process entail?

Daisy  The application process had three stages: An Application Form, an Initial Interview with a Head of Sixth Form and a current Head Student, and a Presentation. The presentation consisted of a 5-minute speech, where we had to pretend as if it was open day and we were convincing prospective parents and students to join the school. Alongside the speech, we also had to come up with a New Initiative and answer a question as if it was coming from a prospective parent. This last stage was in front of the Head Teacher, Head and Deputy Head of sixth form. It was a nerve-wracking process but I'm so glad I gave it a go!

Nathan The application process was split into three steps. Firstly, you had to fill out a form detailing why you wanted to be Head Student, why you are suited to the role as well as examples of these skills in action. There was then an interview with a member of staff and a member of the previous Head Student Team. The final stage involved presenting a speech to the Headmaster alongside the Head and Deputy Head of Sixth Form as if it were an Open Day to parents. We then found out the results soon after the final stage. 

What qualities do you think a member of the Head Student Team should possess?

Olivia I think leadership is what an effective Head Student should possess - strong leadership skills.  As well as the ability to inspire and motivate others, delegate tasks effectively, and lead by example to be welcoming and friendly. Alongside this, I think it important that head student members should be enthusiastic and foster a sense of unity and school spirit amongst students. A Head Student who shows genuine excitement for school events, sports games, and traditions can help foster a positive and vibrant school culture where everyone feels connected and engaged. The final qualities I believe a head student member should possess are confidentiality and trust, which I feel go hand in hand.  I think trust is essential in building strong relationships with both students and faculty. Students should feel confident that the Head Student will represent their interests and advocate for them effectively. Likewise, faculty and administrators should trust the Head Students to uphold school policies and act responsibly in their leadership role. Confidentiality is also vital for a Head Student, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or personal information. Students may approach the Head Student with concerns or problems, trusting that their privacy will be respected. 

Jack I think that a member of the Head Student team should be approachable, confident and easy to work with. These traits are essential as the Head Student Team has to represent the school at many events. 

Daisy I think any Head Student should be a friendly and approachable person who can collaborate with everyone, whether that be teachers, students, prospective parents etc. We are a big voice for the students, so it is important that we are able to listen to others in order to be sure everyone feels heard.

Nathan Being a Head Student is more than just being a spokesperson for the school, making sure you portray a friendly and positive appearance as well as being approachable by all members of the school community. For me this is key to being a member of the Head Student Team.

What one thing would you like to achieve in your role for the coming year?

Nathan In the coming year, I would like to establish more connections between the Lower School and the Sixth Form, specifically in terms of peer tutoring by allowing and encouraging Sixth Formers to help other members of the school community with subjects that they may find challenging.

Jack In the coming year I would like to improve the life of students in at least one way. I would like to look back at the end of next year and see that my time as part of the Head Student Team has made a difference. 

Daisy In the coming year, I hope to build a stronger connection with students in other years. I would like to show students the benefits and ways to achieve a positive attitude around school, as I believe it is a crucial part of making the most out of our time at Lingfield. I would also like to show students that pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is a good thing and not something to shy away from.

Olivia In the coming year I would love to make an impact by being a positive role model for fellow pupils and strengthen Lingfield's external bonds by reaching out to our local community. 

What are you most looking forward to?

Olivia I am most looking forward to collaborating with Jack, Nathan, and Daisy to help with and contribute to various school events. 

Jack I am most looking forward to working with Nathan, Daisy and Liv at events such as open days so we can share our experiences with potential students. I am also looking forward to helping put together the Panto. 

Nathan I am most looking forward to working with the other members of the Head Student team as well as speaking at Open Days and other events to share the experiences I have had within the school to prospective parents.

Daisy  I am really looking forward to collaborating with the other three Head Students this coming year, as I believe we will make a great team. I am proud when I speak about the school, so I cannot wait to share my experience at Open Days and other school events.

Summarise yourself in 3 words.

Olivia Resilient, Empathetic, Dedicated. 

Jack Hard-working, friendly and collaborative.

Daisy Positive, Creative, Driven.

Nathan Confident, Approachable and Knowledgeable.