Dear ALS Community,
Before I delve into my first weekly email, I’d like to take the chance to introduce myself and my role in school. My name is Elysia and I am the Head Prefect for ALS. I joined in the Seniors and have loved every minute of being part of the school. As Head Prefect, my role is to lead the Prefect team and to lead on pupil voice to represent the views of pupils to Mr Preston. I feel very privileged to be your Head Prefect and it is a role I take very seriously. I hope I can do our school community proud in the role this year. This week, in Mr Preston’s stead, I have the chance to give you an insight as to what I, as a Year 11 pupil get up to in school.
Last week, Year 11 (my year group!) had a Sixth Form Open Afternoon (for pupils) and then the full Open Evening (for parents) to find out about the wide range of subjects that are on offer for A Level and BTEC. I definitely found the process to be really helpful as did other pupils in my year. At the event, we were able to find out about a range of subjects, the process for applying to Sixth Form and what we are expected to achieve in our GCSEs to secure our places for next year. There’s so many subjects I’d love to study but I think I’ve narrowed it down to: English Literature, History and Theatre Studies…for now! Initially, I found it quite daunting having to choose A-level subjects that could go on to define my future career path. Even though I’m still not sure on my final choices, I was advised to choose the subjects that I have a true passion for. Mr Preston has also asked me to add in that he hasn’t bribed me to pick English Literature and History…
Over the past few weeks, the Prefect team and I have held meetings with the Pupil Voice representatives to find out from pupils what would make life even better at Arnold Lodge for them. There were lots of things the pupils suggested including taking a look at ‘The Lodge’ queue system, expanding the Canteen offering, reviewing the amount of homework as well as adding in more water fountains. These ideas were taken to the Prefect team and then Beth (our Deputy Head Prefect) and I took the ideas to Mrs Bottrill and Mr Preston with solutions on how we could improve in these areas for the pupils. This morning, in mentor group assembly, Beth and I presented on what was approved by Mr Preston and the changes that will happen within this term. It was very exciting to be able to lead on a project like this and to be able to see that our ideas were taken seriously was fantastic.
On Thursday last week, Year 10 and 11 drama students went to the Birmingham Hippodrome to watch ‘Blood Brothers’. It was great to see one of the texts we’re studying for out GCSE course up on stage. On the subject of drama, which is a huge passion of mine, I’ve been rehearsing for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ where I’m playing the role of ‘Beauty’ with Playbox Theatre at The Dream Factory in Warwick for the Christmas show. Now, the show won’t be your typical Disney fairy tale – in true Playbox style it will be a magical, powerful, and intriguing ensemble piece that promises to be a compelling performance. Tickets are available here for anyone who fancies coming along: https://www.playboxtheatre.com/events/beauty-the-beast/.
I hope my first foray into writing the weekly email has given you a little insight about school life as the Head Prefect. Hopefully, myself and Beth, as Head and Deputy Head Prefect, can keep you updated in the weeks ahead.
Next week it is anti-bullying week and Children in Need, in recognition of these, pupils are encouraged to wear odd socks on Monday (15th November) and on Friday pupils can wear home clothes for a donation of £2 which will go to Children in Need.
This weeks mantra is from Veritas: Live the school values, don’t just talk about them.
The school values of being kind, honest and hardworking help to shape us as an individual and become better people. However, to talk about them is one thing, but to live them through everyday life is another. When faced when with a question such as ‘Did you revise for the test?’ or ‘Have you worked to the best of your ability?’. It can be easy to be dishonest and convince yourself you have; when knowingly, deep down, you could have worked harder. It underpins honesty. To say one thing and do another, is not being true to yourself. Be a role model, speak and live with kindness, truth and dedication.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
Elysia
