By Community Correspondent Jordan Maciel

The 23rd October 2009 will go down as a historic day for Hinchley Wood School. After more than six-weeks campaigning, the first student president, 16 year old Stephen Musangeya, was elected. In the past, Hinchley Wood’s school council consisted of students who had been either picked by teachers, or merely volunteered. However, Mike Glover, deputy head-teacher, and sixth-former Ben Mallet developed a new system to give students a taste of democracy and an opportunity to make a difference- the Junior Management Team (JMT).

Following the introduction of the new scheme in early September, form groups throughout the school voted for a member of their form, to represent their views to the year council. Once elected, the seven form representatives campaigned within their year group, to be one of two students to be elected onto the JMT, as their year group representative.

Unlike previous years, the school have opted for this system, as it spreads democracy throughout the school and digresses from the previous system which meant that sometimes students who didn’t actually want to be involved ended up as part of the school council. The enthusiasm shown by the students and the effort they put into their campaigning was a clear indication of the desire they have to be involved within the school. From the JMT members, two students, Stephen Musangeya and Emma Dauod, set out on a quest; with the target of becoming the first student president of Hinchley Wood School.

For the next two weeks both Stephen and Emma were involved in strenuous campaigning, building up to the 22nd October, the day of the voting. Ben Mallet, spokesperson for the JMT and previous Chairman of the school council, organised for ballot boxes and polling stations to be borrowed from the Elmbridge Borough Council. “It’s important to make the process as realistic as possible, in order to make the students to feel as though they are involved in something truly special and that it will be worthwhile experience” he said, “not only for the candidates, but the rest of the school who will be voting.” It was definitely a successful move by the sixth-former, as almost all of the 1100 students turned up to vote on the day. Mike Glover said: “This was the first time we have held an election like this and we were absolutely delighted with the response from the students.”

Immediately after his announcement as president, the 16 year old said: “I feel that we get a bit complacent about changing things when we get to the top end of the school. I wanted to be president to show that the process can work and we can make a difference.” Stephen’s first act as president was to appoint Emma as his vice president. “He’s a hard working, charismatic and inspirational student, who isn’t afraid to get stuck in and put his point across, I think he will be a great president” claimed Ben Mallet. “It was important to ensure the right candidates were put forward to shape the role, especially as it is the first year. Stephen will set the benchmark for future presidents”. With all the organization and commitment that has gone into the election process, everyone will be hoping that the JMT will be able to sustain this system for years to come.

Stephen has stuck to his promises so far. Since being elected and has held meetings with the schools bursar, Lawrie Lee, to discuss ways in which the school can be improved. Stephen claimed: “there just isn’t enough food in the canteen, particularly f you’re one of the last people into the canteen, there is never any hot food left. It’s just not good enough.” Stephen also stressed that: “I want everyone to feel a benefit from the change before Christmas. That way they will have faith in me and people will really start to believe that the school can work with a president.” Still only 16, Stephen is extremely confident and not afraid to argue his point, whether it is directed towards the students or teachers. However, he wasn’t always so confident, “when I gave my first speech in front of the year 7’s I was shaking like a leaf!” he admitted “but now I can go up and talk without any problems.”

As well as Stephen, all the students involved in the JMT will develop skills that will give them bright and exciting prospects for the future. The confidence to speak in public, the ability to work in a team to plan developments and improvement and to be able to listen to ideas and give constructive advice are just some of the main skills that the students can gain now, and use later on in life. So why isn’t the system used elsewhere? Ben Mallet described it as the “perfect” model for schools across Elmbridge and the country, as it allows for communication through every branch of the JMT from the president down to the class reps. Even the president himself praised the system, saying that: “It’s brilliant because everybody’s voice counts”.

With the general election approaching in May of next year, it’s an encouraging and refreshing thought to know that Hinchley Wood School are educating its students on the importance of democracy in our society and the importance to take pride in their environment, whether it be in school, the local village or even the whole country.