An interview with our new Head Girls, Poppy and Emma!

Poppy and Emma, both joined Redmaids’ High in Year 7, in 2016. We caught up with them to find out more about their Redmaids’ High experience, as well as the changes they wish to bring about to the school.

What do you feel you have gained from being at Redmaids’ High? 

Emma: Redmaids’ High is a fantastic community to be a part of. From my first day in Year 7, up to my experience in Sixth Form, I have always felt welcomed, accepted, and part of the school community. The numerous intelligent, forward thinking, and hardworking young women I have met during my time here, have inspired me to become a better version of myself. The school itself has provided so many wonderful opportunities for me: from the incredible school productions, to engaging discussion groups. 

Poppy: I have gained lots of things, but I think self-belief is probably the biggest one. At Redmaids’ High we are always encouraged to try our best and to do things that are maybe a little out of our comfort zones, and this atmosphere was instrumental in improving my confidence. Over the years I have been able to get to know myself and my strengths, and have felt more comfortable with putting myself forward for things. It sounds corny but I think I would be a very different person if I hadn’t gone to this school! On a separate note, the friendships that I have made at Redmaids’ High are ones I think I will keep forever.

What has been your favourite school project to date?  

Emma: My favourite school project would have to be the production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’. As a Year 8, going into a school production with a lot of older girls, I understandably felt somewhat daunted. However, the experience taught me the value of working with girls throughout the school, and the performance was a very special way to commemorate the coming together of Redland High and Redmaids’. 

Poppy: There have been lots that I’ve enjoyed! I remember writing the solo for one of the school plays in Year 9, which I found really fun. Music and Drama are not my strengths, but I really enjoyed being able to contribute to the production in a different way. I also remember loving the Athena sessions - the forensic science one was probably my favourite.

Can you recall any standout moments? 

Emma: One standout moment for me was in Year 7, when in Musical Theatre club, I had to dance with a girl called Emma, who was the current Head Girl at that time. That was a very pivotal moment for me, although I am sure she has no recollection of it. It really shaped my journey at Redmaids’ High School, and made me realise that being a Head Girl would be something that I wanted to do. 

Poppy: I think the hilarious image of Mr Brealey and Mr Baynham in dresses and wigs for House Dance will be imprinted in my mind forever!

Why did you want to become a Head Girl? 

Emma: I really wanted to give back to a school that has given so much to me. I feel that during my time at Redmaids’ High, I have had the opportunity to discover who I am, and have made some friends for life. I want everyone at the school to experience this too, and so I want to represent their voices. 

 Poppy: I wanted to become a Head Girl because I love Redmaids' High! I love how we celebrate traditions like marching and singing the ‘Te deum’ on Founders’ Day, and I love how teachers and girls alike get involved in things like House Events. Redmaids’ High is a kind, fun and inclusive community that celebrates learning and supporting one another, and as a Head Girl, I feel proud to be a representative of this! I can’t think of a more rewarding way to end my time here.

What changes would you bring to the school? 

Emma: I have a few ideas for change that I would like to bring to the school, including extending the tutoring scheme, so that students in the middle sets would also get an opportunity to develop their knowledge outside of their lessons. However, my overall goal is to make sure that students feel more seen. Expect me to come around to the different form rooms with cake, to have a chat and hear your opinions about the school!

Poppy: I would really love to bolster the student voice, by introducing a termly discussion group open to all and essentially a chance for everyone to meet, enjoy some sweet treats and raise anything they want to see more or less of, and any other issues that might need addressing. I would also like to implement suggestion boxes around the school, so that everyone’s ideas can be discussed at School Council meetings.

Also, I remember Phoebe and Tamsyn ran a week of A Level subject discussions for the Year 11s last term, and I would really like to keep this, and maybe expand it to the choosing of GCSE subjects as well. I know that it can be quite daunting to make these sorts of decisions and I think many would find it useful to be able to talk to fellow students who has gone through the process relatively recently. I would also like to maybe create a recurring feature in Daisy Chain where a Sixth Former writes a letter giving advice to her younger self. Together, these two things would hopefully build some links between the younger years and Sixth Form, whilst also being helpful.

What are your hopes for the coming year regarding your studies? 

Emma: I am currently studying Maths, History and Economics, and I hope to go on to study History and Economics at University. 

Poppy: I am hoping to achieve the grades I need to study Law at my chosen University.