The Prefect and Mentoring Systems
We believe that it is an important part of a teenager’s development to take on a range of responsibilities. We also seek to provide opportunities for developing organisational, communicative and leadership skills. The School’s Prefect and Mentoring systems allow Sixth Formers to take part in the day-to-day running of the School and to work closely with younger members of the School community. The concepts of service to the School community and personal development are integral to the Prefectorial system at Hampton.
From early in the Autumn Term, all Lower Sixth students are encouraged to help with show-rounds, Parents’ Evenings and Open Morning. Other opportunities, such as helping to coach younger boys during Games or lunchtime practices or helping with junior drama, are also available. As well as being valuable in themselves, these activities also provide an opportunity for Lower Sixth boys to demonstrate some of the skills required of a Prefect or Mentor.
Election to the role of Prefect or Mentor is chiefly influenced by the results of votes cast by both teachers and boys.
A full list of Senior Prefects, Prefects and Mentors can be found in the yellow School Calendar. They wear distinctive ties which are awarded in Assembly. Prefects will officially take office from Spring half-term and Mentors from September.
A School Captain and two Vice-Captains are also appointed annually. One of the Vice-Captains oversees the Prefects, and one oversees the Mentors. Both, alternately, chair School Council meetings.
Prefects
Around 60 Prefects are chosen in the Spring Term of the Lower Sixth and they undertake a range of duties from Spring half-term. About 15 are appointed as Senior Prefects - a ‘senior management’ team which plays a significant role in the School’s life and can help shape School policy. There is an Environmental Senior Prefect and a Community Service Senior Prefect. The School runs a residential leadership course for Prefects at the Avon Tyrrell Centre in the New Forest (in conjunction with LEH) to assist in the development of teamwork and leadership.
Mentors
Of equal status are the Mentors. These are appointed at the same time as Prefects by an identical process of application and selection, and take up office the following September. Two mentors are appointed to each form in the First, Second and Third Years, usually producing around 36 Mentors in total. They assist Form Tutors in taking registration, presenting PHSE, monitoring Homework diaries and general presence in the Form Room. Mentors are particularly valuable in helping new boys settle in and for addressing problems, trivial and serious at an early stage. Mentors of First and Third Year Forms often attend the Teambuilding sessions for these year groups.