Follow the leader

Year 8 and 9 Prefects learn what it takes to be a good team player from the Year 12 College Captains 

What makes a good leader? And how can you work well as part of a team? These and other questions were explored in training sessions with the Year 8 and 9 Prefects, led by the Year 12 College Captains, on Tuesday 10th June 2025. 

‘The Year 12s were tasked with planning and delivering a “Prefect Training Session” to support and develop leadership and teamwork skills,’ explains Mr Lipman, Head of Prefects and Colleges. ‘The aim was for the Prefect Team to understand the key elements and attributes of effective leadership and how this can help them in their role as school representatives.’ 

‘As College Captains, we were keen to pass on our experience and knowledge to the Year 8 and 9 Prefects,’ says Asher Siddiqui 12.1. ‘Our goal was to ensure they have the confidence, ability and drive to turn their ideas into action.’ 

‘We also tried to hone in on the students’ collaborative and teamwork skills, both qualities imperative for a good leader!’ adds Ahaan Saraf, also 12.1. ‘We wanted the participants to understand the expectations of their role and to build the confidence they need to lead by example.’  

Exercises included dividing into smaller groups and allocating the roles of business owners and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to work through various work scenarios. There were also group discussions about possible new initiatives for the school. These included: ‘Spirit Week’; an academic ranking system based on performance in topic tests inspired by Japanese schools; and, ever popular, more non-uniform days! 

Leading a training session with fellow students is not without its challenges, though. 

‘At first it was difficult to get students to open up and interact with each other,’ says Asher, ‘but after ice-breakers and other fun activities designed to simulate real-world experiences, we found the Prefects became more animated and involved, which was fun to see.’ 

‘The biggest challenge was making sure everyone felt included and confident enough to contribute, especially as each cohort was quite large,’ says Ahaan. ‘However, I think we managed to create a welcoming environment in the end where everyone could open up!’ 

Clearly the participants thought so. 

‘I enjoyed the teamwork games, such as “The floor is lava!”, and the exercise involving the business owner, CEO and other workers to develop a picture,’ says Maya Sidar 8.7. ‘I learnt a lot about teamwork and collaboration and that leadership isn't just one person taking the lead on everything, but including everyone to talk about their ideas and encouraging them within the group.’  

Watching all this was Mr Lipman. How did he feel it went? 

‘The College Captains created a really thoughtful and engaging session. The activities clearly supported their message and they also worked brilliantly together as a team. The Prefects were very engaged and enthusiastic about the tasks they were given. Throughout the session their own confidence clearly developed as they were able to conduct more conversations and stronger communication with each other. We hope that they feel inspired to move forward in their leadership role and build their profile within the colleges they represent and the wider school.’