Should I encourage my son to be a Prefect?

podperson

So, he brought it up, you said you thought it would be good for him and he should go for it?
That's all you should do in my opinion. It's his decision - if he brings it up again or wants to discuss it in more detail then by all means support him, but at the end of the day it's up to him. Deciding whether he wants something enough to brave a possible disappointment is a good life lesson for him.

Stephb1986_2

I was a senior prefect I got chosen by the teachers I didn't enter for being one It don't think it has made a difference in my life after school. It's up to him if he wants to be one

Steph xx

lovecake

I would definitely encourage him!!...in a quiet, non-pushy way. I absolutely loved being a prefect! I don't think my final two years at school would have been the same if I wasn't one. I don't know how much good it does in later life, but I'm sure it was a good thing to have on my uni applications. If he doesn't get it he might be a bit disappointed, but he'll get over it. It's better that he gives it a shot though. Best of luck to him!

Joons

You've done your bit, advised him what you think, it's up to him now.

Joons

I actually first read that as should I encourage my son to be perfect!

[Deleted User]

I liked being a prefect - but ultimately you were just a lakey responsible for ordering kids about a bit. The best bit about it was the badge that went on your tie

I didn't enjoy it at all, as I had to do my 'security role' with another boy I detested!

shoppaholic_returns

Encourage him, looks great on a uni application, and he might even enjoy it!!;)

mrcow

shoppaholic_returns wrote: »

Encourage him, looks great on a uni application, and he might even enjoy it!!;)

Most universities aren't going to give a stuff either way whether you were a prefect or not. They want grades. Hard work, good predictions, good subject references and the grades. Being a prefect or head boy/girl may give you something to talk about at interview but it's never going to be a point swinger.

If being a prefect or school representative is going to distract from his studies (although it shouldn't but it may require sacrificed lunch hours/study periods), then actually, it could even being a negative point.

Artytarty

Not according to the teachers who help with the personal statements.
Positions of responsibility are important as in involvement in extra curricular activities, it might not suit you but it is a fact.

meritaten

I remember Prefects from my days in school - most of them were awful tell tales! however, there were a couple who looked out for the younger kids (I dont remember there being a bullying problem as the prefects used to just give a bully a good slap if the classmates hadnt done so), and did thier best to be responsible! so I rather have mixed feelings here. I can see there would be pros and cons - talk to your son and see what he thinks the positives and negatives would be. He is in a far better position than you to see these as he sees the present prefects every day.