A number of Year 10 pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe have been selected as prefects. They have undergone training to ensure that they are ready to take on their duties when this year’s prefects leave the school.
The selected pupils took part in a training workshop to support their new role as prefects and prepare them to become effective leaders.
The main role of a prefect at Saint Paul’s is to help ensure the smooth running of the school by helping to maintain discipline, helping staff, supporting younger pupils, organising events and representing the school in the community.
The school asked for applications from its Year 10 pupils, who were then interviewed and those successful have attended training so that they understand the possible issues they may encounter and know how best to offer support. The prefect training covered many issues including communication skills, the importance of confidentiality, leadership, teamwork and representing the school in a responsible and mature manner.
“During the training, the pupils focused upon the skills required to take up leadership roles within the school,” explained Ms Nikki Doig, Head of Year 10 at Saint Paul’s. “They were also able to gain an insight and understanding of how these skills are transferable to other situations in their future career plans.”
Ms Doig added: “The position of prefect is a position of responsibility and one which provides an important connection between pupils and staff. Becoming a prefect is a valuable goal, it plays an important part in a pupil’s personal development and opens their mind to new levels of responsibility and participation in a very positive way.”
“The training, coaching and development of the pupils enables them to see how they can make a real contribution to the school,” commented Mr Wiktor Daron, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “The aim is for collective responsibility around school with students actively participating in the running and organisation of school activities.”
Mr Daron added: “Those selected need to be proactive and consider themselves prefects at all times, not just when performing designated duties. We put a great deal of time and effort into selecting and training our prefects as they will act as guardians of our high standards and as ambassadors for the school.”