New Head Girl Team

Following written applications, hustings and a whole school vote, short-listed candidates were interviewed by a panel comprising Mrs Bingham, Mr Waller and girls from the current team.

Due to the coronavirus, the Lower Sixth students were interviewed via Microsoft Teams this year.  Director of Sixth Form, Mr Waller, commented: “It was a competitive field and they all performed excellently – congratulations to the successful candidates.”

Meet the newly appointed Head Girl Team for 2020/21: Head Girl, Eliza, and deputies Amy, Auhona, Harriet, Liana and Pico.

When did you join South Hampstead and what advice would you give to girls joining at the same stage? 

Amy: I joined the Sixth Form just last year. I’d advise everyone to make the most of their time here because, trust me, it goes too quickly. Put yourself out there, make new friends and, most importantly, get involved in school life!

Auhona: I joined at the start of the Senior School, my first year in London. I’d suggest taking Year 7 as an opportunity to settle and explore, to try everything without fear of judgement – it’s the best way to find your own place. I’d also tell girls that their bag should weigh less than they do!

Pico: I started in Year 3, so have been here for a decade which is crazy! I’d recommend enjoying the food and taking every opportunity that comes your way. 

Liana: I started at the age of 4, and I remember dressing up. I’d advise girls in Reception to make the most of it…  there’s not as much dressing up in the Senior School, unfortunately. 

How would you describe South Hampstead? 

Eliza: Familial, supportive, fun. Girls at South Hampstead achieve really amazing things without too much pressure. The teachers will always be there to support, motivate and congratulate you. 

Harriet: Busy, exciting, friendly. I love how caring everyone is. 

Auhona: Everyone is so willing to express themselves, be it through art, music, assemblies, or simply how they interact with the teachers – there is a certain confidence that girls have here, thanks to the environment.  

Pico: I love the fact that there’s always something to do, but most importantly the atmosphere is really friendly. Whether you’ve been here since Reception or you joined at Sixth Form, everyone makes you feel as welcome as possible.

What is your favourite co-curricular activity at school?

Liana: The school magazine (‘The Penguin’) – I love the different submissions we get from girls throughout the school and the sense of organised chaos it embodies. 

Auhona: Debating – there is an oddly familial aspect to it; we all feel comfortable enough around each other to get up and fall flat on our faces. 

Pico: I’d have to say debating too. It pushes me outside my comfort zone, and you speak to the most amazing people from every year – it definitely feels like a little family.

Amy: Netball – although I’m not too sure it would be the first thing to come to mind in the early morning training sessions! 

Eliza: I love team sports, especially netball – it’s a brilliant way to make new friends from all year groups. But, whatever you enjoy, whether it be music, drama or the isolation fitness club, get involved, you won’t regret it. 

Harriet: The productions, plays and musicals. I love to perform, but what I enjoy most is spending time with all the other girls. A lot of my funniest school memories come from rehearsals.

What aspect of your role on the Head Girl Team are you most excited by?  

Eliza: Having the opportunity to represent the school and work with all year groups. I love South Hampstead and I am looking forward to being able to give back to the school in whatever way I can.

Liana: I hope to engage everyone to be really invested in the school’s environmental impact. 

Harriet: Starting new school partnerships and exploring new ways to actively help others. I am very excited to work with the rest of the team because we all have such great ideas.

Pico: Talking to people about any issues that they face. Supporting students through any mental health issues is so important – especially in the current pandemic – and something that South Hampstead does very well. I really want to help people who might be having a difficult time.

Amy: Creating more links between the current girls and those who have left South Hampstead in fun, new ways.

Do you have a top tip for isolating at home during lockdown? 

Harriet: Keep yourself busy, do a mixture of things and use this time to your advantage!

Auhona: Talking to your family. It’s very easy to get caught up in the plethora of Netflix shows, podcasts and books, but people are less predictable than TV shows often are – you never know where your conversations may lead. 

Amy: Try new things that you usually wouldn’t get a chance to do.  For instance, I’ve spent time cooking and baking – although it’s fair to say I haven’t been hugely successful.  

Eliza: I really recommend calling your friends – it allows you to have a fun, light-hearted conversation which makes everything feel a bit more normal. 

What are you most looking forward to about returning to school? 

Pico: I can’t wait to see all my friends – I’m suffering from a case of only child syndrome! 

Liana: The crumble… I’ve tried making my own at home, but it’s never quite the same. 

Auhona: Lessons and the routine – the Sixth Form has really ignited my passion for the subjects I take.

The team will be supported by dozens of students who take up other roles of responsibility as part of the Sixth Form Council.

Many thanks to our outgoing Head Girl Team – Head Girl, Sophie, and her deputies, Saaya, Alice, Jane, Kate, Alicia and Michaela – who have all shown great leadership, good humour, commitment and camaraderie, despite the unexpectedly abrupt farewell to their time in school.