Our Head Girl, Chloe, and Deputy Head Girl, Grace, both joined St Gabriel's in Year 3.  Amy, Year 12, took time to interview them to understand their experience of life at St Gabriel's, their leadership roles, and their plans for the future.

What are you studying at A level?
Chloe: I am studying Mandarin Chinese, History, and Photography for my A levels. 
Grace: I am studying Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

What made you choose those subjects?
Chloe: I chose these subjects as they were the ones I most enjoyed at GCSE, and I have wanted to study Chinese at university for some time.

Grace: I chose these subjects as I have always had a love of STEM and I think it is really important for more girls to get involved in science-based careers.

Tell us about securing the role of Head Girl/Deputy Head Girl?
Chloe: The process of securing the role of Head Girl was quite rigorous, we had to write a letter about why we thought we would be a good fit for the role, and what we wanted to achieve during our tenure, and how we would go about doing it. After this, we had an interview with Mrs Trevis and Mrs Chapman, and further demonstrated our passion for the role and our capabilities. I was especially nervous about the interview, but I was determined to get the role and show them how dedicated I would be.  

Grace: I wrote a letter to Mrs Chapman and Mrs Trevis explaining why I felt I was right for the role and what I would like to achieve.   I was then invited to an interview and was asked about what I would like to implement and how I could make a positive difference to the school. I really enjoyed this part of the process and was over the moon when it was announced in assembly.

What duties will you be performing as Head Girl/Deputy Head Girl?
Chloe: During my time as Head Girl, I hope (COVID permitting!) that I will be able to participate in open mornings and other events in which I will be able to represent the school to parents whose children already attend the school, and to prospective parents too.

Within school, I will also be acting, alongside Grace, as a liaison between the main body of students and the upper management in school; in order to make the ideas of the students known and put into action.

Grace: I will be performing a range of duties in my position, including regular meetings with Mr Smith and Mrs Chapman, talking at school events, helping out the younger years, and implementing ideas that will add value to the school.

What are you excited about achieving as Head Girl/Deputy Head Girl?
Chloe: I am excited to achieve my main aim of encouraging more students to enjoy their study of languages at GCSE, and to also encourage them to study languages at A level.  I believe that in today's world of extreme interconnectivity, it is important to have a grasp of another language and the skills to converse in it.

In order to do this, I have been working on a 'Language and Culture Club' alongside my peer and classmate Rhiannon, (we take Chinese together!). With this club, which will be starting soon, we will encourage students to learn about languages, countries, and cultures that they perhaps would not normally learn about.  We hope to cultivate a love of languages that will encourage them to take their study of languages further. 

Grace: I am really excited to start a science mentoring club (COVID depending). I would love for the younger girls to come and ask questions about homework, or something they may not have understood in class, or even about studying science in Sixth Form.

I would also like to form a link with a local residential care home. At Christmas, I really enjoyed writing cards to the elderly people in the home, and I am hoping we can extend this to visiting them post-Covid to have a face-to-face interaction.

What qualities do you think are important to bring to the role?
Chloe: I think the most important quality to bring to the role of Head Girl is communication. Communication is at the heart of this role, whether it be used in assemblies or open mornings, or to communicate the ideas of the student body to school management.

Grace: I think being a team player, approachable, encouraging, a good communicator are really important qualities as well as being able to take on tasks and co-lead a great team.

Do you have any particular hobbies or passions?
Chloe: I have been a swimmer all my life, and although I do not compete any more, or swim at the level of intensity that I used to, I still enjoy it very much. Grace and I have also both been Judo players since Year 4, and it is fantastic we are back at our training sessions after more than a year away.

Grace: I really love and enjoy Judo. Chloe and I joined the school club in year 4.  I am now the Captain of the school team.  We have learned some excellent life skills, particularly in self-defence and I hope to continue this when I go to university. I also enjoy swimming and baking since I find it a great way to relax.  

What would you say to anyone joining St Gabriel’s?
Chloe: To someone looking to join St Gabriel's, I would say grasp any and every opportunity that comes your way, as the school has so many excellent opportunities on offer. I would also say, work hard, but try and enjoy your time spent at St Gabriel's, as it has such an amazing atmosphere, and it only seems a minute ago that I was in Year 3, and I will shortly be leaving for university next year! 

Grace: My advice would be to participate in as much as you can, there are so many clubs available for everyone, ranging from academic (science, maths, debating, etc), to sport (netball, hockey, etc), to chess.  There is literally something for everyone. The teachers are also extremely approachable and will always do their best to make sure that you are reaching your full potential.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Chloe: In the future, I will be applying to study Chinese at university, and after that hope to have a career in translating, perhaps for the UN.

Grace: I have always wanted to work in the medical field since I have a keen interest in science, and I am working towards becoming a pharmacist.