“I have become more independent and open to new ideas,” says Deputy Head Boy, Raza, on how he has grown as a learner during his time at The Hall.
As leaders of the Senior School in Year 8, our Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy embody what makes The Hall so distinctive. These are formative years full of growth, curiosity, and opportunity, when boys are encouraged to step up, explore their talents, and prepare with confidence for the challenges of their next schools and beyond.
At The Hall, the Senior School years are about more than academics. Our enhanced curriculum is designed to spark older boys’ curiosity, stretch their thinking, and deepen their independence as learners. Alongside this, meaningful leadership and personal development opportunities give them the chance to take responsibility, grow in confidence, and shape the community around them.
We sat down with our Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy to hear about life at The Hall in their own words. From lessons that inspire them, to the friendships, clubs, and opportunities that have made their time here so memorable.
Meet Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy: Atticus and Raza!
Atticus: I always look forward to reading periods, as you can read what you want and learn a lot from it. I also love History as there’s a lot of freedom and no wrong or right answer, so you can express your opinions.
Raza: I usually really look forward to History lessons, which have lots of space to express my opinion, and there is no right or wrong answer to anything. I also enjoy science because we usually do exciting experiments.
Atticus: They ask a lot of questions and often involve us in discussions, or we work in pairs.
Raza: The teachers keep us engaged, asking lots of questions, and there is usually an extension task which tests your knowledge.
Atticus: Writing essays, I think it is a beneficial skill, and I will use it a lot.
Raza: The fact that I was Deputy Head Boy.
Atticus: It means I am a role model and that I set examples.
Raza: It means I am someone others look up to and that I am approachable.
Atticus: I try to always do the right thing, be kind, and talk to a lot of people to really get to know them.
Raza: I do this by leading from the front, engaging all, and being organised.
Atticus: I think I have gained leadership, organisation, the ability to engage others, and how others think differently.
Raza: I’ve gained leadership and many life lessons.
Atticus: I have come back to ask for help during breaks. I usually ask them questions, and they give you more tips.
Raza: They tell you when they are free during break in case you would like more help.
Atticus: There are lots of discussions with room for everyone’s personality. I think it involves all of us.
Raza: There’s room for personality.
Atticus: I’ve become more independent. I’m also thinking more broadly, and I am more open to suggestions.
Raza: I have become more independent and more open to new ideas.
Atticus: I’ve enjoyed all sports, music, and scouts, because you get to learn more about other people and learn unique skills, like how others think.
Raza: I’ve enjoyed house football as it has a real competitive edge to the matches, and it was very nice to be playing for your house and with your friends.
Atticus: I try to stay organised, know what to do and when to do it, and I check Teams regularly.
Raza: I use Microsoft To-Do, so I make sure when I get home, I am reminded of my tasks. I also make sure to check Teams which is where everything is posted.
Atticus: Yes, there’s scouts, hockey, and music!
Raza: There is a vast array of extra-curricular clubs to choose from every term.
Atticus: I’ve made a lot of friends, and everyone is kind. The sports are fun as well.
Raza: Everyone is friendly, there are lots of sports, and I’ve made many friends.
Atticus: We involve them in games in the yard, we’re always kind, we involve them in sports, and we generally talk to other years.
Raza: We can involve them in games and ask them if they need any help.
Atticus: There’s really no bullying, and everyone is happy to help so that everyone can ask anybody for help.
Raza: I’ve forgotten my homework before, but when I got home, I called my friend, who sent me a picture of the worksheet. That sort of help happens quite a bit.
Atticus: I think it’s given me the ability to make friends, be kind, and acquire a lot of knowledge.
Raza: It has helped me be able to talk to people, make new friends, and be kind.
Atticus: I’d tell them to get involved with anything you can, find others who share your hobbies, and just have a chat with them.
Raza: Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there will be someone who has the same questions and shares the same interests as you.
Atticus: The Hall is creative, a team, and an opportunity.
Raza: I’d describe it as a community, an opportunity, and inclusive.
Atticus: Yes, I’ve liked playing cricket for the school or playing Star Wars in the Gala Concert.
Raza: My favourite sport has been football or cricket.
Atticus: A pupil’s schoolbook, the school photo, a timetable, and photos of the buildings.
Raza: A schoolbook or a school photograph.