At the heart of life at Worksop College, our Captains of School play a huge role in representing the values and spirit of our community. For nearly 130 years, the role has been a cornerstone of our tradition, entrusted to pupils who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication both in and out of the classroom.
This year, we are proud to introduce our newly appointed Captains of School, Lucy and Vrishin, who will be working closely with staff and fellow pupils to champion pupil voice, uphold our traditions, and inspire others to make the most of their time at Worksop College. In this interview, they share their thoughts on leadership, their goals for the year ahead, and what being a Captain of School means to them.
Congratulations on your appointment as Captains of School! How did you feel when you found out you had been selected for this important role?
L: Thank you! At first, I was overwhelmed with pride. I remember walking to my lesson after Mr Bailey had offered us the role and walking past the Captains of School board. Knowing my name would be one of the next ones on the board was a real pinch me moment. I remember from a very young age it was something I aspired to achieve, closely alongside my childhood dream to become Prime Minister! So not only will I be trying to make my family, friends and the school community proud, but also my younger self.
V: For me personally, when I was first told that I would be undertaking the role of Captain of School this year, I felt a mix of excitement, pride and gratitude because I realised how much trust the school has placed in me. Alongside this joy and gratitude also came a feeling and sense of responsibility; a chance to give back to the school that has given me so much over the past 6 years.
What does being Captain of School mean to you personally?
L: Naturally, it feels like a big responsibility with big boots to fill from previous Captains of School who I looked up to a lot. I hope we can continue their legacy and make our own mark on the school's history. When I look at the previous Captains, what stands out to me is that they have all approached the role in their own unique ways, taking the highs and the lows as their authentic selves. I think my predecessor, Grace Galbraith, said it perfectly in her end of year speech when she said, ‘it is about the journey, not the destination’. I know I still have lots to learn before I reach my destination, but I also know I have a lot to gain throughout this journey.
V: For me, being Captain of School is more than just the title or gown we are given, but rather, being someone who my peers can look up to, but also, someone they feel comfortable turning to. It's about serving the school community, being a good role model for all the pupils, helping others feel that their voices and contributions matter, and also, being a representative of the entire pupil body.
What are your main goals for your year as Captain of School?
L: Our primary priority is to make sure everyone has a smooth transition. In particular the international pupils. Having lived abroad for 10 years myself, I can understand how daunting it can be to pack everything up and move away from home pretty much overnight. I can wait to hear all of the new stories and perspectives our international pupils have to offer. Also, as a keen rugby player since the age of 5, I have always been keen to push girls' rugby at the college. With the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup to date taking place as we speak, what better time to get involved! Finally, as Charity, Social and Outreach line manager, the prefects and I have some exciting ideas to mark upcoming occasions. Keep your eyes peeled…
V: One of my biggest goals for this year is to bring people together across all year groups, and strengthen our already thriving school spirit and unity. I want to encourage and embody teamwork and collaboration, celebrate everyone's achievements and ensure that students from every year group feel included. I also hope to create more opportunities where students can share their ideas and talents so that everyone feels proud of being part of Worksop College, and so that our school continues to grow as a place of inclusivity and excellence.
How do you hope to make a positive difference in the school community?
L: One thing I have always loved about Worksop is that our community extends far beyond just pupils and teaching staff. So many people have helped to guide me throughout my time here, so I hope to be able to give back to the community. I see myself as someone who you can approach about absolutely anything, and believe me, I will never turn down an excuse for a chat! My door will always be open, as it always has been, for anyone who needs it. In addition, I would like to be a strong bridge between pupils and staff, working with both to ensure that the school community reaches its full potential.
V: When I first applied for this role, I said that I believe a School Prefect, and indeed School Captain, truly makes a difference through small, consistent actions, and this is something that I will try and apply throughout the next year to try and make a positive difference within our school. I want to be approachable and ready to listen, so students feel heard and supported. I also hope to lead by example, whether through compassion, respect or extracurricular involvement, so that others feel inspired to do the same.
Our school values are Integrity, Compassion, and Dedication. How will you embody these values in your leadership role and encourage others to do the same?
L: Even though they are new for this academic year, our values really resonate with me and have been ones that I have carried throughout my time at school. In particular, integrity. I saw a poster in a classroom this week that said ‘speak up for what you believe in, even if your voice shakes’. I think that is the perfect way to describe integrity. I’m sure there will be a few times this year where my voice shakes, but I will never be afraid to speak up for what I think is right and encourage others to follow suit. In Gibbs House we are frequently told that you get in what you put out, and this mantra has certainly proved true for me with regard to dedication. In my role, I would like to ensure that no one cruises through their time here. This school is about so much more just taking lessons and passing exams, and I hope to make each pupil realise this, to make the most out of their school experience.
V: I aim to show integrity by being honest, fair and true to my word, in all areas of school life. Compassion is very close to my heart, and I will make sure to treat everyone with kindness and understanding, especially during tough times. Dedication means giving my best in everything I do, whether it is academics, leadership or supporting others. I hope that by openly embracing and displaying these values, I can encourage others to carry them forward too, throughout their entire school journey, so that together we are able to make our school an even more supportive and inspiring place.