Leadership

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Each year there are a number of pupils selected from Year 12 to perform specific leadership roles. House Captains, Chapel Sacristans, School Captains, Senior Assisting Pupil Welfare and the Captain of Committees are announced on Scholars' Day and are then appointed to their position at the Investiture Ceremony and Chapel Service at the start of the year.

The Chaplain, Dean of Students, Academic Counsellor and Co-ordinator of the Senior Common Room fulfil a liaison role between the school leaders and the Headmaster and are readily available to support and assist. At all times seniors are expected to maintain an exemplary standard of behaviour and provide a positive role model to other pupils.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS
The role of the School Captains is to act as the official pupil representatives of the school. Their specific duties are determined by the Headmaster.

HOUSE CAPTAINS
Houses have House Captains and their role is primarily to assist the Heads of House with the organisation and motivation of the pupils within their particular House. Their specific duties are determined by their individual Head of House.

CHAPEL SACRISTANS
The position of Chapel Sacristan is awarded to both a male and a female Year 12 pupil. Their responsibilities are primarily to assist the Chaplain with care of the school chapel and its functions.

SENIOR ASSISTING PUPIL WELFARE
The position of Senior Assisting Pupil Welfare has responsibilities associated with the care and welfare of Somerset pupils. This leadership position reports to the Dean of Students.

CAPTAIN OF COMMITTEES
One Captain of Committees will be appointed, responsible for co-ordinating and promoting committees within the school.

Every year senior pupils at Somerset have the opportunity to make an impact on the school as a whole. One area where this is most evident is in the role of school leaders.

The Senior Badge is presented at the Investiture Ceremony by Heads of House; it is a symbol of the position within the school that you, as a Year 12 pupil, are expected to uphold and maintain. Later that evening, the first Year 12 dinner is held in the Dining Room of the Ray Building with Senior Staff, House Tutors, Heads of House and the Academic Counsellor. This will be the first of a number of dinners that Year 12 pupils are required to attend throughout the year.

All Year 12 pupils are considered to be senior leaders and as such, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that portrays them as positive role models for the younger pupils.

Seniors are required to perform many duties and assume a number of important responsibilities. These may include:

acting as a role model and providing support for younger pupils within the school and their House group
performing set duties such as pedestrian crossing, locker duties and supervising the dining room
assisting staff with younger pupils and providing support, especially those in Year 8 while they adjust to the rigours of senior school
setting a positive example for other pupils by wearing the school uniform correctly
exhibiting exemplary behaviour, conduct and general manner
assisting with House organisation
assisting with school activities
acting as a representative of the school in the wider community
possibly assisting with Outdoor Educational camps
assuming a leadership role designated by the Headmaster
contributing to the school community
being involved in one of the many school committees

No matter what role may be assigned, it is the pupil's responsibility to aim to do their very best. There is no doubt that the returns both to the pupil and to the school will be great. More importantly, involvement in leadership tasks will contribute towards a sound preparation for experiences in the years to come.

ROLE OF ALL SENIOR PUPILS WITHIN THEIR HOUSE
There are many specific roles for seniors within their House. These roles include:

organisation of House sporting teams
assisting the Head of House to organise events such as: sports trials, House plays, chess competitions, House dances, and House chapel services
motivating and promoting house spirit at House meetings and within the pastoral care group
setting a good example for younger pupils within the House, specifically in relation to litter, uniform and general behaviour
setting a positive example during assembly and chapel services
assisting Tutors with the operation of Tutor groups

Many Heads of House consider that it is primarily the Year 12 pupils who have the opportunity, as seniors, to significantly contribute to the House system, both individually and as a group and to ensure a successful year.