” I really like the fact that we can connect with and offer support to younger years…”
Meet the Pastoral Prefects
RAZA R & FLORENCE H – 2023/24
Year 13 students Raza and Florence are among the 20 pastoral prefects at BGS. They talk about their roles and share their valuable advice for future applicants.
What made you want to become a pastoral prefect?
Florence: I have a passion for helping others and becoming a pastoral prefect was an amazing opportunity for me to do that. At university, I’m going to study psychology so I knew that having first-hand experience supporting and mentoring others would benefit me.
Raza: I was interested in seeing what the pupil-school relationship was like from the other side. I thought the role was unique because it gives you an insight into the world of young people’s mental health, which feels really relevant in today’s digital age.
What was the application process like?
Florence: To apply for the role, we were asked to complete an application paragraph explaining why we believed we would be a good candidate, including the skills we have and the ones we hoped to gain in the role. Teachers and students then voted to decide who would become a pastoral prefect.
Raza: The process felt a bit suspenseful when it came to the actual vote but in terms of the application itself, I really enjoyed having that rare opportunity where I needed to reflect on my own experiences from earlier on in school. It felt surreal looking back at my first days at BGS but it also made me realise the importance of empathy when it comes to being a pastoral prefect.
What training did you undertake?
Florence: We completed a Youth Mental Health First Aid half-day course, where we learned how to listen effectively and provide effective support to those who may be struggling with their mental health. As well as being taught the correct way to help someone in need, we also put this into practice through real-life scenarios and determining how we would successfully deal with each situation.
Raza: The Mental Health First Aid course gave us an understanding of how to talk to pupils younger than us and try and help them in a personal but also realistic way – we had to learn when a problem was above our remit and how to identify safeguarding concerns too, which was something I’d been worried about before.
What does your role involve?
Florence: We help younger years, whether that be through delivering talks and activities during form time, or whole school assemblies during wellbeing weeks. I delivered an assembly about giving during one of these weeks with four other pastoral prefects. Also, as a part of the role, we can be paired up with a younger pupil in the school and be their mentor. We arrange meetings with them, listen to any issues they may be having in school and provide them with support.
Raza: My role involves three main things. Each prefect is part of a team that is designated a different year group. I’m part of the Year 8 team so have to be available for when there’s a Year 8 pupil who might want our help. There’s also mentoring, where we offer one-to-one support to pupils who are struggling and try to provide them with someone their age to talk to and help them. Finally, we run the board games club during lunchtimes, where we get to have fun and chat with anyone who wants to join in!
What is the best part about being a pastoral prefect?
Florence: I really like the fact that we can connect with and offer support to younger years, as it feels good to be a role model that others can look up to. When I was lower down in school, I would look up to the prefects, so to now be the person other people look up to feels amazing.
Raza: The best part of being a pastoral prefect is getting to meet and talk to people I wouldn’t have the opportunity to otherwise. Even though some of the pastoral team are teachers who we already know, being a pastoral prefect means you get to develop a different relationship as ‘teammates’. Talking to younger years at the board games club and hearing about their experiences at school and beyond is probably one of the most interesting things I’ve done at BGS!
What kind of issues do students need to talk about?
Florence: Friendship issues can be something younger pupils struggle with, whether it be feeling left out in a group or having difficulty making friends. In these situations, they may feel alone so we are there to listen and make them feel less alone, especially if we can relate to their situation.
Raza: Students can talk to us about any issues they like. The ones I often hear are about keeping up with schoolwork and sometimes I’ve needed to share my own tactics to keeping on top of it all. We’re also there if pupils need support with friendships, if they’re feeling lonely, or if they need someone to report bullying to.
What skills have you gained from becoming a pastoral prefect?
Florence: I’ve gained a lot more confidence and communication skills through being a pastoral prefect. Within the role, I’m always talking to different people. I’ve also gained skills in aiding others with their struggles. Through experience and training, I have become much better at offering support to others.
Raza: Being a prefect has really developed my empathy. It’s a role that teaches you how to be more thoughtful and think carefully before you try and give any advice. It’s also improved my own social skills too and I definitely feel more comfortable making conversation with new people now.
What would your advice be to anyone who is considering applying to be a pastoral prefect in the future?
Florence: I would advise them to show how much they love helping others and highlight the positive qualities they have that would benefit them in this role. It is important to be yourself and to show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Raza: If anyone is considering being a future pastoral prefect, I would say don’t hesitate! Throw yourself into the role and you’ll get so much out of it in return. My one key piece of advice though, is to develop empathy. From what I’ve observed, pastoral care revolves around this key skill, and even if you’re not a prefect, it’s essential in the real world. There are lots of other roles on offer in Sixth Form too, like being a subject champion, so keep an eye out for those!
“My one key piece of advice though, is to develop empathy. From what I’ve observed, pastoral care revolves around this key skill, and even if you’re not a prefect, it’s essential in the real world. ”
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