13.02.06
Student Council Minutes - 13/02/06
Apposition
The Council discussed some of the proposals circulated by PW
“2. Apposition to become an event for 8th forms only, and to include more 8th formers even if they haven’t won a prize”
· There was a strong feeling that Apposition should not become an 8th Form-only event. Junior boys welcomed the chance to be a part of it and to hear the Declamations of senior boys
· There was doubt about whether any 8th Former who was not a prize-winner and not a prefect would want to come along, though a minority felt that this might not be the case.
“3. More prizes for 4ths, 5ths and 6ths (including Undermasters’ prizes for improvement) but awarded at special assemblies rather than at Apposition; parents not invited (lack of available space)”
· Given the feelings re - 2, there was no real support for separate arrangements for 4th/5th/6th.
· It was generally felt that the number of prizes should remain the same.
· Opinion was divided re prizes for “improvement”. Some felt that the idea was patronizing, others that it might be a good idea. Some felt that this was already covered by the system of SM/HM congratulations after grades – if it wasn’t perhaps it could be. There was some doubt about the criteria which would be used – would it be simply grade-based?.
Also discussed:
· Prizes
· Some asked whether it is right that the same core of boys should end up going each year.
· Should there be a limit to the number of prizes a boy can win or the number of consecutive years in which he can win? Some felt that not to award the prize to the best would debase the value of the award, while others felt that many more deserved to be recognized in some way
· All agreed that there should be more of a mix between prizes awarded for a specific piece of work submitted (a system which makes it clear what the prize is being awarded for) and ones awarded for general work.. It was felt that sometimes the criteria used were not clear.
· The question was raised about whether there was a link between being awarded a prize in a particular subject and going on to read that subject at University