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Prefect Hustings - 2024/25
The Senior Prefect Team sent this report:
The first part of the Hustings process gave students the opportunity to present themselves as desirable candidates for the Senior Prefect roles as they were tasked with writing a letter addressed to Mrs Beales discussing why they wanted to take on this position and how their experiences have shaped them to be able to fulfil the various duties that are required from a prefect. For many of us, writing a letter of this kind was a new experience as we had to cast our minds back through all of the opportunities and roles we have taken on (inside and outside of school).
The second task was the group task. This was held after school and all applicants were sorted into randomly assigned groups with a senior prefect to observe their discussions. We were given a keyword per group for which we had 20 minutes to make a short presentation to the other groups, the senior prefects, and the senior leadership team. This task was quite daunting and pushed everyone out of their comfort zones as there was a tight time deadline to complete the presentation. However, it allowed us to form good bonds with other applicants and also gave us opportunity to practise for the public speaking ahead of the famous Husting speeches. The group task was definitely a different kind of challenge as we were all under the spotlight to see how we worked as a team and also what we brought to the table as individuals. After the group tasks were completed, we all eagerly awaited to hear if we had made it to the Hustings speeches.
The day after the group task, the potential Senior Prefects were shortlisted to fourteen and the weekend was spent preparing a one minute speech for Hustings Assemblies. This was a chance for candidates to present their strengths and aspiration to represent the school to the student body. Giving speeches to the other year groups was daunting, especially the first one, but it was a great experience which really brought everyone together. The team spent mornings rehearsing and refining their speeches with one another and by the end of the week the applicants had delivered informative and inspirational pitches which left their peers with the difficult task of deciding which two candidates they resonated with the most and felt would best represent them.
“Hustings at first seemed terrifying but the most rewarding part after the week was done was knowing that I did it and faced my fear of public speaking. This felt like such a major accomplishment for me as this time last year I felt nervous even asking a question in class. I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent the students here at Invicta and also work with my fellow prefects to do this” (Daniella, Curie 2)
"Initially, the Hustings process was a daunting one, having not yet participated in public speaking to such an extensive level. While the differences of each year group kept the task engaging and exciting, my nerves were quickly reduced by the strong sense of community we formed as potential prefects. Being able to meet each morning, reassure and support each other throughout the assemblies as well as collectively debrief afterwards made the process feel much less scary. Overall, it felt like a great opportunity to begin forming connections within the group and to learn more about our strengths and weaknesses” (Lexie, Curie 2)
Following the Hustings Assemblies, the ten Senior Prefects were decided and on Wednesday, 13 March reattended an interview with Mrs Skelton and Mrs Harrington to determine who would be given the roles of head and deputy prefects. The interview began with a one-minute personal pitch, outlining why they should be head prefect and explaining what makes them suitable for the role. This was then followed by a three-minute pitch of their legacy - an action plan of how they would improve an area of the school, such as building on RAG week, introducing a new Power Day, or making changes to student voice. The final stage of the interview involved answering a series of thought-provoking and challenging questions from the interview panel. The candidates spent time between interviews encouraging and reassuring one another. Once the interviews had concluded, there was a sense of relief amongst the prefects but also a great sense of accomplishment. The prefects then waited with anticipation for the difficult decision to be made.
“The idea of applying for senior prefect was daunting but overall has taught me so many valuable lessons which will prepare me for the future. The written letter and interview have prepared me for future applications for university or jobs, whilst the hustings process allowed me to grow in confidence speaking in front of a large group. These are all skills I hope to improve even more with the rest of the Senior Prefect Team” (Louisa, Bronte 2)
“The hustings process was a great experience that enabled me to sharpen both my speech writing and delivery. The opportunity to present in front of my peers was invaluable, one that I will cherish, with the skills developed further adding to the wealth of growth and novelties I’ve had since coming to Invicta” (Adriel, Bronte 1)
As we arrived at the meeting room, in which the final verdict would be shared, it was evident everyone was excited to hear the results. All 10 Prefects were thrilled to be embarking on this journey together and after hearing the final announcement, the applicants acknowledged what a great team they make! The Prefects warmly congratulated each other on our new roles and were ready to get busy!
The new senior prefects are:
Olivia, Colvin 2 (Head Prefect)
Avani, Curie 1 (Deputy Head Prefect)
Aylin, Nightingale 1 (Deputy Head Prefect)
Daniella, Curie 2
Emily, Pankhurst 1
Lexie, Curie 2
Nyla, Curie 2
Tash, Nightingale 2
Adriel, Bronte 1
Louisa, Bronte 2
“Although challenging, the Hustings process was a very rewarding experience which allowed me to greatly develop my skills in a variety of ways. I hope to continue to develop these as Head Prefect, which is still very surreal. It is a privilege to be chosen for the role and to be able to represent such an amazing school alongside such a passionate and proficient team. I am very excited for the year ahead!” (Olivia, Colvin 2)
Congratulations to the new team and a massive well done to everyone who put themselves forward for this opportunity! Whilst the process wasn’t easy and difficult decisions had to be made, the team was carefully crafted to be successful in bringing about positive change and cultivating the Invicta community to give each student the best environment to thrive in! The team is looking forward to working together to put into action their proposed ideas and is hoping to make the best of their time in these roles!
