At Shiplake College, we have many opportunities for pupils to take up positions of leadership and responsibility. There are positions available throughout the College from Year 7 right up to Year 13 in areas including pastoral, academic, sporting, and more.
At the top end of the College, in Year 13, our Prefects and Chapel Wardens are arguably the most recognisable group of student leaders. These pupils help with the day to day running of the College and assist staff by encouraging pupils to maintain high standards and to show consideration for others. They are there to be a friend, guide, and role model for younger pupils.
Additionally, on another pastoral level, many of our Prefects and Chapel Wardens are certified Peer Listeners. These pupils have undertaken four hours of intensive training to understand how to be an active listener and provide support and guidance to pupils in the school.
Another responsibility that our Senior Prefects have is running the School Council where they meet members from each House every term. The representatives feed in suggestions and ideas to improve the whole-school experience and it is the School Council’s responsibility to action and fulfil those suggestions where possible. The School Council is a key mechanism for the students to have their voices heard at the College.
Further to our Senior Prefects are our Junior Prefects. A new scheme launched this academic year, Junior Prefects help with the day-to-day running of the Lower school and help staff by encouraging pupils to maintain high standards and to show consideration for others.
Another group of pupils with a pastoral responsibility is our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. These are a mix of pupils through the college who support the College in calling out bullying should they hear or see it and work with staff members to promote and embed an anti-bullying strategy within the College.
Our Scholars are pupils who also have different responsibilities and opportunities. Led by the Head Scholars – William Harper and Sophie Woodeson – there are different types of Scholars – academic, music, art, drama, sport, rowing – all of whom are expected to represent and support their field. For academic Scholars, this could be leading clinics and clubs for younger pupils. For example, Zak McConkey and Zac Powell lead maths clinics on different days of the week, helping with prep, and facilitating revision.
Art Scholars take leadership of Art Club. For example, Sophie Woodeson could lead a session for Lower School pupils to teach a new type of artistic skill or to support students with ongoing projects. Sports Scholars will do so similarly in their chosen sport where they could be leading training sessions for their team and taking leadership on the sports field. But sports Scholars also lead sessions for younger learners. For example, Ben Stokes leads rugby sessions with Lower School where he is managing the session, planning, and leading the drills.
In drama, the drama Scholars act as leaders and role models and their opportunities include planning and facilitating showcase events each term, leading performances on Open Mornings, and helping with Lower School productions. Additionally in drama is the opportunity to have leading roles in the College production.
In music, Scholars have a role to play supporting younger learners. For example, Seb Crehan-Mills instructs the Lower School orchestra, helping the musicians play their part, and coordinating the piece. Music Scholars are also always role-models to other musicians, leading by example by regularly practising, volunteering to perform, and showing a good attitude.
Additionally in music is the Department’s Captains - Singing, Instrumental, Band, and Chapel – who all play a vital role in the running of the Music Department. They are responsible for coordinating and leading rehearsals, helping organise repertoire and the selection of pieces for events, liaising with pupils regarding events and the requirements, stepping in at the last minute when needed, and demonstrating a positive attitude towards all the work in the department.
Finally, our Eco-Committee, which is a body of student and staff volunteers, operated by student leaders called Co-Chairs. The current Co-Chairs are Charlie Scott and James Middlehurst, and they are supported in their role by a Vice Chair, Matthew Perry. Together, the committee is working to reduce the carbon footprint of Shiplake College, as well as improve nature and biodiversity around the campus.