Were you a prefect during your time at Princethorpe? If so, you may remember the excitement being mixed with just a little bit of trepidation about the extra responsibilities of this important role. A recent addition to the Foundation Archives shows how some of our former prefects aimed to help their successors through the initial nerves by sharing their own first-hand experiences.

The ‘Prefect Bible’, which was passed to the Archives at the end of the summer term by, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Cyprian Vella, was created by the prefects of 2017/18 for the incoming 2018/19 prefect body, and was subsequently added to by the prefects of 2018/19 and 2019/20. With a beautifully detailed cover, designed and decorated by a very talented prefect, it is a wonderful ‘how-to’ manual full of hints and tips. Specific sections included cover each of the prefect roles, as well as some helpful general pointers on meetings, duties and the prefect uniform.

Top tips include getting organised early on, celebrating each other’s successes, not being afraid to ask for help, and most of all enjoying the role – all of which have no doubt also been useful life skills for our prefects in their years beyond school. The Prefect Bible also contains some lovely photos of the contributing prefects enjoying life in their roles, and is a fantastic snapshot of the duties involved in each of the prefect positions. Above all, it is a wonderful example of the famous Princethorpe generosity of spirit, as students took time out of their busy schedules to encourage and support others for the benefit of the whole school community.

Were you a member of the prefect body who created or continued the Prefect Bible, or perhaps one of the incoming prefects who benefited from their words of wisdom? Or maybe you have other stories to share about being a prefect at Princethorpe? We would love to hear your memories of prefect life – please do send them in to archives@princethorpe.co.uk .

Images:

1. Prefect Bible cover
2. Prefect group shots and activities, 2017-18
3. Prefect Bible ‘to be continued’ message from the 2017-18 prefect body
4. Tips from the Deputy Head Girls and Boys, 2018-19
5. Tips from the Charity Prefect, 2019-20