Meet the Prefects: Head Boy

Guilherme Werner

What was the most stressful part of the prefect application process and why? 

The most stressful part of the process was with regards to the letter of application section of the prefect application. In this box you have to explain the reasons why you are applying for the role of prefect, identify the changes the pupils desire take place in the school environment and the skills and past experiences you possess and how they will help you with the implementation of such changes. This section made me contemplate with regards to the role which would allow me to pursue these improvements and how I would go about making these goals become a reality at school. This was an immensely challenging part of the application process because you have to not only develop upon your objectives as prefect but also identify the points to be improved within the school. 

Why did you want to be a prefect? 

I applied for the role of prefect due to my time as a year group representative in the senior school council. The experience was wonderful and one which I greatly enjoyed due to the fact that I could convey the suggestions and queries presented by my year group to the school leadership during the meetings and make them come to light and become a reality. It was this interaction between the pupil body and the school which made me want to apply for prefect. I believe the prefect role offers a fantastic opportunity through which we, the pupils, can seek and implement long-lasting and positive change and ensure the continued improvement and enhancement of our school and it was with this goal in mind that I chose to apply. 

What was the hardest question they asked you in the interview? 

There was not a hardest question, but the challenge posed by the process. The interview itself was not composed of one, but several short, five minute interviews in which you were asked specific themed questions during each of the stages of the carousel. The difficulty behind the interview was that the majority of the questions inquired areas for improvement and the means by which you believe the change should take place. The interview was thus hard due to the fact that you had to suggest possible solutions and how you would go about tackling these issues and ensuring the improvement of the school. 

What is your favourite TV show? 

Grand Designs 

​What do you want to study in the future and where? 

I want to study Chemical Engineering either in Canada or the United Kingdom. 

Place you most want to visit? 

St Petersburg, Russia 

What is one thing you want to change in school? 

I feel that the school has a massive potential with regards to the development of a greener and more environmentally friendly campus. We have a large pupil body and thus the consumption of resources such as food, electricity and water have a considerable impact on the environment. The recent actions undertaken such as the hiring of Kombosa Seletiva and the implementing of recycled paper are changes that show how we can be more conscious with regards to the waste we produce and the means by which we dispose of it. This is a fantastic undertaking which has the potential for future development and enhancement. 

Any advice for prospective prefects? 
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The fundamental role of a prefect is to serve as the voice of the pupil body and make changes which shall benefit the school community as a whole. It is thus essential for prospective prefects that you listen to others throughout the school and understand the issues they face, you should consider their suggestions and desires. As a prefect your role will be to address these areas and pursue the means through which you can implement changes and improvements which reflect the aims of the pupils and help to enhance the school community.