Prefect Training Session

Published by Seaford College on Thursday 1st of December 2022

A fun interactive session of Prefect training.

What does it mean to be a prefect at Seaford College? What are the challenges prefects face in carrying out their duties? And how will they benefit from the experience?

These were just three of the questions explored during a recent training session for Year 13 students chosen to support staff in the running of the school. The Prefect Tea, this term, with Headmaster John Green was followed by a training session given by Assistant Head Ash Arya and Head of Sixth Form Joe Follows. Head of Middle School George Vernon also gave a talk on the positive effect prefects can have on younger students.

The training sessions are aimed at developing the skills prefects need to be effective in their roles. “Our Prefects are ambassadors for the school and epitomise the characteristics and behaviours we expect from all our students at Seaford College,” said Ash. “We ask our prefects to uphold school expectations at all times while on campus and when on duty in prep sessions and at lunch.”

George said: “The younger students look up to prefects as role-models and will often seek their advice, wisdom and guidance as experienced members of the Seaford community. They are integral to the running of our school, and they set the standard for all students to emulate across the college.”

This latest training session was focused on the challenges that prefects might face when on duty, and students were prompted to debate how they would respond to a series of different scenarios.

“We also gave advice on how they can step outside their comfort zones when addressing issues with students as well as supporting younger students pastorally,” said Ash. “Mr Follows and I helpfully played the role of students not meeting school expectations with respect to uniform and appearance, and all the prefects in attendance had the opportunity to challenge us to ‘get it right’.”

In addition, teachers emphasised that through carrying out their duties, prefects will begin to recognise that educational establishments, workplaces and society as a whole need to work within a framework of commonly understood expectations. “While they may have a different view on those expectations, those in leadership have the difficult job of ensuring they are met, and this requires consistency, empathy and a strong dose of charm,” said Ash.

Further prefect training programmes are being planned for the rest of the year.