From the Deputy Head of Junior School

Leadership in the Junior School

One of the most rewarding aspects of our school culture is seeing students step into leadership roles that allow them to support and encourage others. This year, our Year Five students have done exactly that through their important work as Peer Mediators in the Junior School playground.

Wearing their bright pink vests, our Peer Mediators have been a warm and reassuring presence for younger students. They have helped guide play, solved small disagreements, and ensured that everyone feels safe, included, and supported during break times. Their visibility in the playground has not only made it easy for younger students to seek help but has also modelled what kindness, responsibility and empathy look like in action.

It has been wonderful to see the confidence and maturity our Year Five leaders have shown as they have listened carefully, helped children navigate tricky moments, and encouraged positive play. These are skills that will serve them well beyond the playground and reflect the strong leadership culture we continue to nurture at our school.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Year Five students have embraced this opportunity and the difference they have made in the daily lives of others. Their commitment to caring for their school community reminds us that leadership comes in many forms and often begins with the simplest acts of looking out for one another.

This term, our Year Five students have begun their journey toward leadership roles for next year. Through classroom discussions, workshops, and practical experiences, students have been encouraged to reflect on what makes a positive leader and how they can contribute to our school community in meaningful ways. They are learning that leadership is reserved not for those who speak the loudest, but for those who act with integrity, support others, and consistently strive to do their best.

Next year our Year Five students will take on a range of roles, including House and Vice Captains, representatives on the Student Representative Council, supporting assemblies, assisting younger classes, contributing to house activities, and participating in service initiatives. These experiences are designed to build confidence and help students understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and responsibility. They also allow each student to demonstrate their strengths and interests, whether they shine through organisation, creativity, empathy, or problem solving.

On Thursday 20 November, students from Years 3 to 6 had the privilege of listening to the Year Five students deliver their speeches as candidates for the 2026 Junior School Captain role. Students and staff have the opportunity to vote for the two candidates they believe will best represent the school. The successful students will be announced at Speech Night on Tuesday 2 December (next week).

It was clear that the students had spent a great deal of time preparing for these speeches, and they were both thoughtful and entertaining.

There is value in presenting for a leadership opportunity, whether or not you are ultimately successful. Putting yourself forward, preparing a speech and speaking to your peers are experiences that build confidence, resilience and character, skills that will serve students well beyond this process. The act of participating is an achievement in itself and contributes to personal growth.

I invite you to take inspiration from some snippets of these incredible speeches:

The role of school captain is more than a badge or a fancy title, but a chance to make a positive influence on the school and students.

 

I like to say that I'm not perfect, but I do believe this position is perfect for me.

 

When I first started at this school, I was actually quite shy. I didn't always put my hand up or feel brave enough to speak in front of others. But over time, I learnt that being confident doesn't mean never feeling nervous. It means trying your best anyway.

 

First, I want to start with swimming in the ocean. When big waves roll in, they can be a bit scary at times, just like facing a challenge.

If I am chosen as your school captain, I will do my best to make our school an even better place. One idea I would like to work on is creating a second Gaga ball pit for the Prep-Year 3s. The current one is always overcrowded, and it often leads to arguments. I'd also like to reopen the monkey-puzzle tree area - a quiet, meaningful spot that has been part of our school since the beginning.

 

I have really enjoyed my time here at Girton, and hope that you will all give me the opportunity to show leadership and help guide the Girton community through 2026 as a Junior School Captain.

 

Throughout my time here, I've always tried to be kind, hardworking and encouraging.

Now, I'm not perfect - I've forgotten my homework before, I've tripped over in PE, and I've said the wrong answer in maths. But I always try again, and I never give up. That's the kind of leader I want to be.

School Uniform – Dresses

As the weather begins to warm up, we kindly ask parents to check that their child’s school dress meets our uniform guidelines. As students grow, dresses can become shorter, and we appreciate your support in helping our students maintain a neat and appropriate appearance. Please ensure that the dress length sits just above the knee. Thank you for helping us uphold our uniform standards as we head into summer.

Mrs Viv Bath 

Deputy Head of Junior School