Pupils recently took over the running of St Helen and St Katharine as part of the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge joining, over 44,000 children and 1,200 organisations who took part.
Girls were given roles including Headmistress, Bursar, Director of Students, Logistics Manager, Executive Chef, Librarian and Deputy Director of Music for the day and not only saw the work that goes into the running of the school but directed it as well.
Headmistress for the day, year eight student Rosie Scarborough, took part in a series of meetings, helped shortlist candidates for a teaching post, observed lessons, welcomed parents at the end of a busy 9+ taster day, agreed the School’s 2016 advertising strategy and took an assembly.
She said: “It has been very hard work but great fun – I’ve really enjoyed it.” The real Headmistress, Rebecca Dougall, said: “Rosie has done a brilliant job as Headmistress. It’s a fantastically varied role and it was lovely to show her some aspects of it. Who knows, maybe she might think about it in the future!”
The Takeover Challenge is a national children and young people’s engagement project which sees organisations across England opening their doors to children and young people to take over adult roles. It puts children and young people into decision-making positions and encourages organisations and businesses to hear their views. Children gain an insight into the adult world and organisations benefit from a fresh perspective about their work.
