‘More sport and activities needed after phone ban’

THE new head pupils at Gillotts School in Henley say they hope to give all the students a voice.

Sophie Floyd, Stanley Lawrence and Owen Howard, all 15, will take on the joint role when they move into year 11 in September.

The pupils produced a video on what they want to bring to the school and talked about their suitability for the role.

Some of the ideas they came up with were a clothes donation scheme for charity and more regular sports fixtures.

Sophie, from Middle Assendon, wants a group session where pupils can enjoy new activities following the announcement of a phone ban.

She said: “Some people would usually spend their lunchtime on their phone so if we set up some activities where they don’t necessarily have to be committed, like an activity you can go to if you’re bored, it could strengthen the community.

“There are people right now who don’t agree with the ban but when they have had it for a few months, they will realise they’ve spent more time with their friends. I think it will be helpful to break the habit.”

Owen, from Emmer Green, said: “We’re here to give the students a greater voice but also to discuss ideas with them.

“Our current plan is to send a big survey to everyone at the start of September saying here are some possible things we can do and then pick the two that get the most votes. People have spoken to us about introducing a clothes donation scheme and there’s also simple things like more sports fixtures or creating a better environment with more benches around the school.

“I’ve spoken to the art captain about the possibility of a school mural but it’s more about bringing together what all the students want to create an even better school.”

Stanley Lawrence. from Sonning Common, wants to improve rugby, football and netball participation at the school.

He said: “I noticed this year that not many people signed up to the teams because of the lack of fixtures. I’ve listened to some of my friends who said they want more sports fixtures for school teams.”