We are delighted to announce this year’s Head Prefects, Isla Swarbrigg and Will Wood.

We asked them a few questions about their time at The Grove so far and how they feel about being appointed Head Prefects…

When did you join the Grove?

Isla: I joined the Grove in year 7 after starting at Bronte in Year 5. 

Will: I joined in Year 7 too but was at a different primary school before that. 

What are you both studying for A Level?

Isla: I’m studying Biology, Chemistry and English Literature.

Will: and I’m doing Biology, Psychology and BTEC Sport.

What co-curricular activities have you enjoyed at the Grove?

Isla: I’m a massive netball fan so I play a lot of netball at school but I also run and swim and then in the summer I like to play tennis.

Will: I’m a big rugby player and I play a bit of cricket, but I’m more of a rugby player who plays cricket. Then we both do a lot of music as well.

Isla: yes, I play the saxophone, and the clarinet and I sing as well so I take part in all the orchestras and the choirs that there are on offer.

Will: I play the bass guitar and drums so I do more in the soul band.

What would you like to do when you leave the Grove?

Isla: I’m hoping to do Vet medicine so I’m looking to get my application in the next few weeks.

Will: I’m not too sure… something to do with Sports and Science so I’m thinking about Sports Exercise and Medical Sciences.

What is the most important thing the Grove has taught you?

Isla: Definitely make the most of every opportunity that you get, I think Woodhouse is a very special school. Joining that club, trying out for that team, you never know where it will take you. I don’t think I’d be the person I am today if I didn’t just go for everything. 

Will: The Grove has helped me to become more of an all-rounder. Before I wasn’t necessarily sporty, and Woodhouse has pushed me by giving me lots of opportunities. It’s also helped me to develop interpersonal skills too. 

What is your favourite memory from your time at the Grove?

Isla: This was recent but I think last year’s Netball season. As a whole, that will stick with me forever, I loved that season. We were so close as a team and then subsequently did so well… it was just the best. I’m really looking forward to this year’s season because last year was just so good.

Will: I think that’s the same for me with last year’s Rugby season. I remember the first game, playing Barnard Castle at home and it was all live streamed and it was a big event with presentations beforehand, it was just really special.

What are you most looking forward to in your role as Head Prefect?

Isla: I’m looking forward to being a good role model for younger students. That’s something I feel quite passionately about, like getting involved in everything school has to offer so being able to now present that to younger students is exciting. I’m also looking forward to our speech at the end of the year!  (The Head Prefects each year do a speech reflecting on the year at Prize Day) 

Will: Yeah the speech is the best.

What is your favourite school dinner?

Isla: The chicken and broccoli stir-fry with the apple crumble.

Will: Yes definitely that’s the same for me as well. 

Best of luck to Isla and Will, we hope they enjoy their final year at Woodhouse Grove as Head Prefects and are sure they’ll do excellent in their role.