For this year’s Heads of School, leadership is not about holding a title. It has been about learning to listen, taking responsibility, supporting others, and discovering more about themselves along the way. We spoke to them about what they hoped to contribute to the RSJ community, the challenges they have encountered, and how their experiences have shaped the people they are becoming.
Head Boy – Darius
Darius joined RSJ midway through Year 11, stepping into a new school environment while preparing for his IGCSEs. Coming from an Indonesian and Filipino background, he was also adapting to a new country, culture, and education system. Despite these challenges, he embraced school life from the beginning, throwing himself into opportunities such as last year’s Senior Production of Romeo and Juliet.
Looking back at your time at RSJ so far, how would you describe your own journey of growth as a pupil?
Unexpectedly remarkable in the best way possible. I joined mid-way through Y11, which was challenging in itself due to needing to sit the IGCSEs a couple of months rather than the standard two-year period, on top of adjusting to a completely new set of rules and environment. However, I would say that the time span of struggle heavily contributed to the significant growth I’ve had here purely due to these challenges and obstacles I would eventually learn to overcome, and my desire to make the absolute most of whatever opportunities come my way. The version of me that had joined two years ago would have never believed I would make it this far or even have an opportunity as exciting and fulfilling as being the “Head Boy” for my cohort.
What did you hope you could contribute to the school community when you took on the role?
The one trait or ability that I hoped to bring to the school community was being that bridge between pupils and staff, to be approachable and be an individual you can always rely on without judgement whatsoever. Ever since taking up the role, it is usual for younger pupils to come up to me and ask all sorts of questions, even at times bizarre ones. I think it is very heartwarming that these pupils think I’m sort of an oracle who knows the answer to their questions because a large part of being the “Head Boy” means being a role model for your peers and the pupil body, and being someone you can look up to.
What have you found most challenging about being a pupil leader?
It is that balance of being a leader who is both warm and stern, while being respected simultaneously. Finding that balance is what I believe differentiates a “good” leader from a memorable leader who people will actually want to follow and listen to. On occasion, it is difficult to determine whether a situation is something I can resolve or should pass on to staff members, and it is an ability I can only refine with more experience in similar positions.
RSJ’s values are Integrity, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness. Which of these has challenged or influenced you most as a leader, and why?
The one value that has influenced me the most must be Aspiration; my ambition to seek out the best in everything I encounter or am presented with is the reason I have been so fortunate to be selected as “Head Boy”. In Lower Sixth, I eagerly volunteered for any roles or occasions I could be in charge of and oversee to give back to the community and prove to myself that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.
Head Girl – Airi
Airi has been part of RSJ since its foundation. When she joined in Year 10, she described herself as incredibly shy and not particularly outspoken. Over her time at RSJ, she has gradually developed her confidence, both in communicating in English and in taking on leadership opportunities within the School.
What qualities did you already have that you think helped you step into leadership, and what qualities have you had to develop along the way?
My experience as a House Music representative and Music Ambassador taught me responsibility, while being empathetic helped me connect with my current role. However, speaking in front of the whole school assembly was nerve-wracking at first. I had to develop my public speaking skills, as well as improve how I communicate and coordinate with staff, the School Council, and prefects.
What does being elected Head Girl mean to you personally?
Being appointed Head Girl is something I never expected, and even a week later, I could hardly believe it. It is a huge honour. At first, I felt a lot of pressure, especially when looking up to the incredible Heads of School from the past two years. Now, I see it as a wonderful opportunity to step out of my shell and build my confidence.
Can you share an example of a time when you felt that your role had a genuine impact on someone else or on the wider school community?
Even though it is still in the discussion phase, I felt a genuine sense of impact knowing that I could make a difference by proposing rule relaxations for the Sixth Form, helping pupils develop greater independence and prepare for university life.
A strong part of pupil leadership at RSJ is the idea of serving the school community. What does service mean to you as a pupil leader?
For me, service means making the RSJ community an even more comfortable place by actively listening to pupil voices and continuously looking for ways to improve. Unlike some other schools, RSJ is a boarding school, which makes school a huge part of our daily lives, so putting the community’s needs first is especially important here.
Looking Back and Closing Reflections:
What skills have you developed through this role that you think will stay with you beyond RSJ?
Airi – Balancing my leadership responsibilities with my A Levels and preparing university applications has greatly improved my time management skills. Taking initiative and building confidence did not always come naturally to me, but I know these skills will support me at university and help me achieve my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
What do you hope pupils will remember about your leadership after you leave the role?
Darius – I hope that once I have stepped down and passed the torch on to the following cohort, my style of leadership was one that was uniquely warm, approachable and keen on bringing new perspectives from anyone for the betterment of the community.
If you could speak to your younger self on your first day at RSJ, what would you tell them about the person they would become?
Airi – When I stepped into the very first Opening Ceremony at RSJ, the Year 10 version of me was afraid of challenges and too shy to even run for the School Council. I would tell my younger self to just be herself, take her time, and trust that she will eventually break past her limits.
Darius – I would probably tell my younger self not to be discouraged about any challenges that come my way and that anything that doesn’t go as planned would probably lead to personal growth and a valuable lesson. I would tell myself that my time at RSJ is one of the most rewarding experiences that could have ever happened.
