Scroll down
We’re excited to introduce the inspiring student leaders who will be shaping our school community for the upcoming academic year.
In a special episode of Stirred by the Sun, the RMS for Girls podcast, our new Head Pupils, Becca and Arush, took the helm to introduce themselves and members of the Pupil Leadership Team (PLT).
listen to the full episode on Spotify.
Meet Your Head Pupils: Becca and Arush
Becca, a long-standing member of the RMS family since Year 7, shared her journey of self-discovery. Despite her successes in sports and lessons, she admitted to struggling with impostor syndrome, never seeing herself as an “academic person.” However, as her hard work paid off and her confidence grew, she found herself surprisingly appointed Head Pupil. “Now that I’m in my role, I see that I do love it, and it feels like it’s what I’m meant to do,” Becca reflected.
Arush, who joined RMS in Year 12, offered a unique perspective on integrating into a new environment. Initially, she was “so nervous,” but she quickly found a welcoming community. Her active participation in co-curriculars and clubs helped her connect with peers and teachers, making her feel “more comfortable being a student at RMS.” Arush’s experience emphasises the school’s inclusive atmosphere and the importance of pupils stepping outside their comfort zone.
Introducing the PLT
Becca and Arush then welcomed four key members of the PLT:
- Abi: Deputy Head of Charities (joined in Year 7)
- Sophie: Deputy Head of PR (joined in Year 7)
- Aisha: Deputy Head of Boarding (joined in Year 8)
- Lauren: Deputy Head of Pupil Support (joined in Year 7)
When asked about their motivations, Sophie expressed a desire to “give back to the school” and be a role model, ensuring future pupils benefit from the same “excellent range of opportunities.” Abi echoed this, emphasising the “so special” RMS community and her wish to reflect the school’s values to other pupils.
Supporting Our Community: Roles and Visions
The PLT members shed light on their specific responsibilities and aspirations:
Aisha, as Deputy Head of Boarding, sees her role as “serving the boarding community,” aiming to give back and address the needs of boarders through events and building a sense of fun and community.
Lauren, Deputy Head of Pupil Support, highlighted her focus on both pastoral and academic well-being. She emphasised making new students, especially Year 7s, feel welcome and ensuring “pupils really have a voice” in improving the school.
Lauren and Aisha both spoke about the importance of mental health. Lauren shared her struggle with the “mental side of learning” in Year 11 and expressed her dedication to ensuring “no one feels isolated during exam seasons.” Aisha reinforced this for boarders, acknowledging the bravery it takes to be away from family and assuring them that the boarding team is a supportive presence. It was great to hear about the PLT’s perceptive and empathetic approach to leadership.
Passion for Learning: Favourite Subjects & Teacher Impact
Our leaders also shared insights into their academic passions:
- Lauren: PE or Maths (enjoys problem-solving)
- Aisha: Drama (a safe space for creativity and self-expression)
- Sophie: DT (a mix of practical and theory, with a close department community)
- Abi: Textiles or Geography (creativity and a break from academics)
- Arush: Biology and Chemistry (practical, hands-on, and interested in how things work)
- Becca: History or RS (fulfilling to deeply understand topics)
A recurring theme was the profound impact of RMS teachers. Sophie and Lauren both lauded Mrs. Williams, their English teacher, for completely transforming their perspectives on the subject. Becca spoke about her teachers’ unwavering confidence in her, even when she struggled with self-belief. “There is always a teacher there to back me up,” she shared, highlighting the supportive and nurturing environment at RMS.
A Glimpse into Leadership and Inspiration
The leaders shared a “fun question” about a song describing their leadership style:
- Becca chose The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” representing optimism and the message “it’s all right.”
- Abi picked “Sweet Caroline” for its ability to bring people together, reflecting the PLT’s goal of building community.
- Aisha recalled a song about keeping your head up, emphasising positivity and learning through leadership challenges.
When asked to name an inspiring team member, Sophie praised Arush for her fresh “set of eyes and a fresh vision” as a new Sixth Form student. Lauren highlighted Tara, an anti-bullying ambassador in Sixth Form.
Finally, when asked to describe Mrs. Freeman, Head of Sixth Form, in one word, the PLT offered: Enthusiastic, Determined, Funny, Driven, Connected, and Passionate. These words perfectly capture the spirit she instils in our student leaders.
We look forward to seeing the incredible impact the entire PLT will have on our school community this year.
Listen to the full episode below.