Each year, our Upper Sixth (Year 13) pupils proudly represent Downe House by stepping into positions of responsibility as Seniors and School Officers.
Now that they have successfully completed one term of leadership together, we’d like to introduce you to our Head and Deputy Head Senior, Emilia and Anjola. We asked the girls to describe each other and their insightful responses perfectly capture why they were both such fitting choices to lead our School.
Emilia, Head Senior
“Emi truly embodies what it means to have ‘star quality’. I first noticed this in her when we met in 2018, when she was just 11 years old, and it has only flourished since. You can refer to Emi as a North star because she is a guiding light in every way – this is quite fitting given the fact that she really does love stars and all things bright. Emi is a role model in every aspect of her life, whether it is her strong family values, dedication to her A Levels or how she always effortlessly looks good (7.45am at breakfast in Willis is not an exception to this statement).
Even though she is the youngest sibling, Emi has a sense of maturity and insight that would make you think otherwise. She is the kind of person that people naturally look up to, not only because she is considerate and well-spoken, but because she makes everything she does look easy. Whether she’s performing in a musical, speaking to an audience or engaging in conversation, she truly excels in everything she does. I am not sure why, but I have a strong feeling that Emi will be famous one day.
I know she will continue to be influential, especially in her role as Head Senior, where she truly shows what it means to be a role model for the entire school. Her ability to connect with others is unmatched, and I can personally testify to the fact that she has always been well-liked during our time at Downe House – I cannot name one person who is unable to get along with Emi. There is so much more to say about her beauty, humour and caring nature, but I can’t think of anyone better suited to represent our school.” – Anjola
Anjola, Deputy Head Senior
“Anjola is truly the epitome of a ray of sunshine, she brings energy with her into every room and it’s refreshing amongst the stress of school. I’ve known Anjola since we first came to Downe House in the Remove, she was my first friend and since we were both international pupils coming at such a young age, it was comforting to have her and to get to know her. Anjola has such a friendly demeanour and an incredibly contagious humour, if anyone was to crack a smile out of someone, it would be her. She is beautiful inside and out, never going a second without looking like she couldn’t pose in front of a camera. I could not think of a better fit for Deputy Head Senior, she is an amazing role model and her qualities are ones to aspire towards.
Not only does Anjola support her peers as much as she can, but the work she puts into herself for personal and academic growth is clear and something I am in awe of. She has assured confidence in public speaking and creative skills in things like acting and dancing which she has outstanding talent in. Despite her incomparable aspects, she remains humble and it is truly an honour to work alongside her and know her as a friend, it is inevitable that she will continue to do amazing things in everything she pursues. Anjola deserves to be celebrated for her character and everything she does, she deserves the best and more!” – Emilia
It has been such a joy to see Emilia and Anjola take on these important roles, and I have been delighted with the positive way they have embraced the challenge. As individuals they bring such fantastic qualities and experiences and are hugely positive role models to the younger girls. As a team they complement each other perfectly and work together so very well, they really do get the best out of one another. I always look forward to their presentations in Assemblies, they brighten up our Monday mornings, and I have been impressed with the way in which they have generated positive and inclusive changes through School Council. Well done and thank you to them both for all they have done, and I look forward to seeing this continue over the next two terms.
– Georgina Taylor (Head of Sixth Form)
