Captains of Juniors
Prue and Tom
We have both just entered our fourth year at Gordonstoun and are delighted to have been made Captain of the Juniors (Years 9 to 11 and not to be confused with the Junior School!). The position allows us to share the views and opinions of these students with the seniors and staff, through active involvement. We got to know the Year 9 students throughout their induction programme and established firm links with many as a result.
We are heavily involved with junior events such as inter-House sports, Headmaster's dances and their weekly social. However, much of our role is on a personal level between ourselves and the youngest three years. We often talk over current and daily School matters and hope that we feel able to approach to share their concerns and issues.
As well as the Year group councils we play a major part in transferring the popular views and opinions of the juniors to Mr Hewett who is the the Lower School Co-ordinator. Despite our personal programmes we enjoy spending time with the Lower School and hope to arrange various extra curricula activities.
Pleasure is dual with these responsibilities and we are very privileged to be in a position that enables us to assist and support the lower Years where help is needed. We believe that, as Captains of Juniors, we have been entrusted with a position that allows us to influence and support the younger members of our community, helping them to grow within Gordonstoun.
Guardians (Heads of School)
Emma and Tristan
Gordonstoun is a great believer in being a democratic community. The voice of the students is of great importance to the way in which the School is run and, as we are the ones experiencing it, we know which aspects of School life are good and others which can be improved.
There are numerous avenues which people can go down to raise an issue. There are Year group committees, with a representative for each House, which meet every two weeks with a member of staff present, covering everything from charity events to loo roll. Other groups meet to discuss more specific areas such as the refectory, socials and uniform.
In Year 13 a group of colour bearers, or prefects, are elected by the students from Years 11, 12 and 13 as well as the staff. Every week we meet with the Headmaster and Mrs Dangerfield and put forward the views and ideas of the student body and lots of our own. All pupils, of every age group can have a say, whether it be through a member of these committees, or a more direct route, and will always be listened to. Suggestions will be considered, and attempted to make possible to the very best of abilities.
Colour Bearers have a number of duties to perform as part of their responsibilities. We maintain order in the refectory and library, and run the Sixth Form bar on a Saturday night. Outside of official duties, CBs should have a positive influence within the School and provide a link between staff and students. Guardians are appointed every term to lead and represent the School in a number of ways and ensure that the School runs smoothly and everyone is happy.
Colour Bearers
Interview by Year 9 student Jessica from Hopeman House
How long have you been at the school?
Daisy: Five years
Sarah: Five years
Have you always been friends?
Daisy: Yes, we have always been very close.
Sarah: Yes!
What does a CB do?
Daisy: It is a CB’s job to represent the student body and set an example.
Sarah: We connect the teachers and the students and also we carry out many duties around the school.
What is the best thing about being a CB?
Daisy: Working as a group and having a deeper level of involvement
Sarah: It is nice being trusted and respected by the school and its staff.
What is the worst thing about being a CB?
Daisy: Telling off your own year group and your friends. Also sometimes setting an example is really hard.
Sarah: The duties because they are really time consuming.
How do you get elected?
Daisy and Sarah: Students and teachers vote and the Headmaster has the deciding vote.
Did you always want to be a CB?
Daisy: We never really thought about it!
Sarah: We never ever dreamed that we would be elected!
I know you are very busy. Is it worth it?
Daisy: Yes to have that higher level of respect from everyone.
Sarah: To be trusted with jobs and responsibilities.
What are your university plans?
Daisy: We are both planning to take a gap year and then I want to study international relationships.
Sarah: Then I am applying at Cambridge and Bristol to do English literature.
What do you enjoy most about Gordonstoun?
Daisy: I really love the international flavour.
Sarah: I love how the school is involved with so many things.
House Captain
Hugo
Being a House Captain in Gordonstoun carries with it a lot of responsibility and involves playing a leading role in the daily function of school life and particularly life in the House. Round Square, the House I am a Captain of, has over 60 boys from Years 9 to 13 who mainly board. My job is to ensure that the House is maintained well and that the boys have a settled and happy life outside of lessons. Having been in School since Year 9 and experienced a range of House Captains myself, I can ensure that the House is run smoothly, and that all boys of any age can come and speak to me about personal issues or express their opinions on how the House could be a better place.
If someone has a problem or an idea that is valid, I can take it to the House Captains' Council which meets once every 2 weeks. The minutes of these meetings are then passed on to the Colour Bearers (Prefects).
My Housemaster, Mr Tattersall, has an authoritative and respected status in the House. I have a very close relationship with him and we meet often to discuss all aspects of the day-to-day running of the House. My hope for the House is that it continues to be a happy place to live in and everyone is proud to be part of Round Square due to the relaxed but studious environment that is created.