Junior Leadership 2024: Meet the Team

10 MAY, 2024

After a competitive application process that included impressive Hustings speeches, we're thrilled to announce our new Junior Leadership Team! Leading the charge as Head Girl is Delilah, with Eloise and Gabriella taking on the roles of Deputy Head Girls. Rounding out the team with their exceptional talents are Eesha, Lucy, Zoe, Matilda and Tanishka. Pleased to now introduce themselves to you, the team is already brimming with ideas, eager to make a positive impact on our school.

DELILAH – HEAD GIRL

Enjoying the challenge of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics A levels, I'm particularly drawn to the world of Mathematics. This passion is leading me to explore Mathematics and related degrees, excited by the vast career possibilities that they offer. I feel so grateful be part of a school where young women are inspired and empowered to pursue STEM subjects and receive the best support and guidance during the learning process.

Outside of Sixth Form, I am involved in competitive flat water kayaking (although the term ‘competitive’ is loosely used in my case!). It is certainly a small and unknown sport, but this is something that I really love about it. It means that I can interact with nearly every member of my own club, both young and old, and I can also form close networks with my ‘competition’ at other clubs although this mostly involves teaming up with them to find new ways to improve together. At a recent national competition, I persuaded our club members to embrace team unity by allowing me to paint their faces in our club colours and apply temporary ‘Wey Kayak Club’ tattoos. I think that this encapsulates the collaborative spirit of kayak racing but also demonstrates my passion for working within a team.  

I see many similarities between the kayaking world and Farnborough Hill, mostly due to the sense of community that prevails in both. I really value community and this is one of the reasons why I am so excited to be given the opportunity to be Head Girl. I can’t wait to become more involved within the School, to work with new people and have the chance to interact with pupils across all different Year Groups. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Junior Leadership Team to foster the really positive and supportive environment at Farnborough Hill that is so essential to shaping a brilliant experience for all its pupils.

ELOISE – DEPUTY HEAD GIRL

Having been at Farnborough Hill for six years, I believe one of the most special aspects of our school is our community. I have been fortunate to be a part of this community and for school to be a place where I am surrounded by kind and supportive people. I strongly believe that the support from the School community has helped me to grow my confidence and is what has inspired me to apply for a role on the Junior Leadership Team.

I have taken part in many aspects of school life before taking on the role of Deputy Head Girl. In Year 10, I participated in The Young Enterprise Scheme, gaining practical experience in setting up and running a business. This hands-on approach developed my skills which I continue to apply in my Business A level course. If anyone is considering taking part in Young Enterprise, I would be more than happy to talk to you about my experience! This year I have enjoyed my role as a CAFOD Young Leader and have found it to be an excellent learning experience and a fantastic opportunity to get involved with our community.

I am currently studying Psychology, Business and Economics A levels. I have aspirations in the future to study Business at university but also to pursue a programme in Florida working with Disney. My current Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) project on Disney's cultural representation is a perfect blend of my interest in Business and the powerful influence of Disney on society.

I look forward to the next year as Deputy Head Girl and working with the rest of the JLT to continue to give back to the School community.

GABRIELLA – DEPUTY HEAD GIRL

Fuelled by a passion for Science, I'm currently tackling A levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This strong academic foundation is preparing me to pursue Medicine at university and become a doctor. In my free time, I find balance through competitive Netball, where I enjoy the challenge of both playing and umpiring. My artistic side thrives on sketching and painting portraits and I also enjoy baking and cooking. 

Giving back is important to me. Once a week, I volunteer at a local care home, where I try to brighten residents' days with conversation, smiles and a helping hand. Whether it's serving tea and coffee or assisting with activities like bingo, I find immense joy in connecting with this community. Giving back within my own school community has also been a passion of mine. I have been a member of Social Justice Club and was part of the project to change the School House names in Year 7 to inspirational females who have helped shape Farnborough Hill; a great example of how pupil voice is important. I have represented the School in Netball and helped to coach some of the younger years too. Some highlights from Years 10 and 11 have been participating in The Young Enterprise Scheme and the 24-hour Sports Endurance challenge for Comic Relief, which was very rewarding!

This year I have really enjoyed being one of the CAFOD Young Leaders; organising Assemblies and events such as a Food Drive, Break the Rules Day and our most recent success; Farnborough Hill’s first Culture Day which was an utterly joyful celebration. Helping with Open Access Club for Year 7s has been a delight, and it was wonderful to have helped them prepare their Year 7 Talent Show recently.

I am passionate about promoting diversity and raising awareness about world issues. I also believe in the value of education and look forward to spreading my passion for learning (beyond revision and examinations) among my peers and younger years, as I hope everyone can develop a sense of curiosity for their subjects. I am excited about this new role that I will now play in our school community as Deputy Head girl. I have confidence we will work collaboratively to bring about our initiatives and we will be role models for girls in the younger years, as the Head Girls and Deputy Head Girls have been for me throughout my time at Farnborough Hill.

EESHA

Farnborough Hill has been my academic home since Year 7, and has played a formative role in shaping who I am today. Currently, I'm tackling a challenging but rewarding A level course load in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and French, with the intention of studying Mathematics at university. 

Farnborough Hill has, however, given me a multitude of opportunities to challenge myself beyond the academic curriculum. For example, the numerous ThinkTank talks, mathematical challenges and AfF-Hilliation groups have become an integral part of my life here. These opportunities also further extend outside of academics entirely. For instance, in Year 10, I took part in the Young Enterprise programme, and became the Managing Director of our company ‘Lazy Mountain’ which designed and manufactured eco-friendly tote bags. Moreover, I am working towards my Grade 8 qualification in both Piano and LAMDA, with both of these examinations taking place later this year. 

Outside of school, I am a classically trained dancer in the Indian field of ‘Kathak’. My love for the arts started when I was very young, and being at Farnborough Hill has definitely developed my love for them tenfold, being alongside incredible staff and peers. I have also had the delight of being a CAFOD Young Leader throughout Lower Sixth and intend to liaise with the next Young Leaders as a part of the JLT.

I am incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this year’s JLT and look forward to working with the other fantastic members of the team. My aim is to continue the legacies of the outgoing JLT and work together to provide an unforgettable and fulfilling time at Farnborough Hill for all those involved in the School community. I want to ensure we promote diversity and inclusion further to contribute to a wonderful and rewarding experience, much like the experience I have had so far in my six memorable years at Farnborough Hill.

LUCY

If someone had told me in Year 7 that I would be studying Drama for A level, it would have been a surprise. Geography and Biology come as expected, due to my perennial interest in the environment, but when I first started at Farnborough Hill, I didn’t have the confidence to perform on stage. However, after joining a theatre group and participating in school productions, I have seen myself grow in ways I couldn’t anticipate. In a similar way, I have seen the School itself grow alongside me. From a new uniform and update of the Houses, to a new Headmistress, it is a privilege to now be part of the next stage of the School’s journey.

I plan to study Horticulture going forward, so you can often find me outside in my garden or greenhouse, or at a garden centre resisting the urge to buy more plants. I am also working towards my LAMDA Grade 8, after completing 4 and 6, and have started my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, for which I enjoy the challenge.

Since moving into the Sixth Form, I’ve had the chance to meet so many new people in different Year Groups and I hope to act on this in JLT, creating opportunities for others to make new connections and to build on the strong community where everyone feels safe, supported and comfortable to learn and grow their own way.

ZOE

As a recent addition to the Farnborough Hill community this year and a new member of the JLT, I'm struck by the tremendous personal and academic growth I've experienced. My journey has been amazing so far, thanks to all the wonderful people I've met and the incredible support system I've found here.

This year I have had the honour of being a CAFOD Young Leader, leading our school through engaging events that raised funds for those in need within our local community. These experiences have taught me the importance of leadership, empathy and collaboration.

Currently, I am studying Biology, Economics, and Mathematics A levels. Inspired by Tim Hartford, the Undercover Economist, I learnt that Economics isn’t just a subject, it is everywhere in our daily lives. From the price we pay for necessities, to how we allocate our assets and plan for the future, Economics plays a fundamental role. It is so much fun to learn how Economics ties in with society and I am planning to continue my passion for this subject in my university studies.

I'm thrilled to collaborate with my JLT peers to further strengthen our inclusive and diverse environment, where every pupil feels valued, heard and empowered to pursue their passions and dreams.

MATILDA

My academic focus is currently on Physics, Mathematics, and History at A level, laying the foundation for a future in mechanical engineering, either through a university degree or an apprenticeship program. I am also completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and an EPQ.

Beyond academics, I'm a dedicated Hockey player and love every second of it. This experience has instilled in me the value of teamwork, which I believe will be instrumental in my future endeavours, including my role as a JLT member. Participating in events that bring people together is something I'm passionate about. Last year, I took part in the 24-hour Sports Endurance Challenge, the point of which is to unite girls from across the School, all working towards a common goal - raising money for a worthy cause. This sense of community is something I've consistently experienced throughout my six years here, and is something I'm proud to be a part of. This commitment to supporting others includes the classroom, where I find immense satisfaction helping Year 7 pupils build confidence in Mathematics.

That same sense of wanting to give back is why I'm thrilled to be part of the JLT this year. It's my chance to contribute to the vibrant Farnborough Hill community that has developed me as an individual for the past six years.

TANISHKA 

Currently immersed in my A level studies of Physics, Mathematics and Music, I dream of studying Music at undergraduate level, before pursuing a Masters in either Sound Engineering or Music Production. Anyone who knows me, is aware that I have a strong passion for Music and take a keen interest in it outside of academics. I love trying to learn as much about each instrument as possible and maximise my knowledge, whether that be by developing my current skills on guitar or picking up an entirely new instrument. I take great pride in the fact that I taught myself how to play the acoustic and electric guitars, piano, ukulele and drums and also learnt how to use and work a loop pedal, all whilst also working on my singing daily with the School Choir, of which I’ve been a member of since Year 9. Farnborough Hill has provided me countless opportunities to share my talent with the School, for example singing at Prize Giving and performing in Assemblies, and so has given me the confidence to pursue my passion in Music as a career.

Outside of the Music realm, I am currently working towards my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award as well as my EPQ which I’ve focused on the pros and cons of the automation of commercial flights. Being an active member of the CAFOD Young Leadership programme for this academic year and participating in Young Enterprise during Year 10 has taught me a myriad of skills that I feel will be very useful within the JLT.

I’m extremely excited for the next year, during which I’ve been given the privilege of being a part of the JLT. I get to work with some amazing people in order to achieve as much good as we can for the School and to create an environment in which pupils of all years feel comfortable and welcome, while also ensuring our community is one of which everyone feels proud to be a part of.