Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, visited Longdean School to meet with the Sixth Form Leadership Team to discuss the nature of leadership and public speaking. Ameira Yani (Head Girl), Tom Dignum (Head Boy) and their deputies Gabbie Brown and Bilal Altaf used the session to quiz him about his experiences of leadership in different organisations and in Government throughout his life.

They did this to help prepare them for their role in which they will act as ambassadors for the school as well as running elements of the school council and student voice at Longdean. Specifically they asked him about how to motivate yourself and your team as well as maintaining a high level of commitment and enthusiasm for your role.  

Students also sought advice about public speaking as this will be a key part of their role. 

Head Girl, Ameira Yani said: “I thought it was very helpful and inspiring.  Mike gave us good advice on how to work together as a team throughout our year in post.”

Mr Cunningham Headteacher said: “We really value the work that our Sixth Form Leadership team put in, acting as school ambassadors with primaries, parents and with current and future students.  They do all of this on top of their A Level studies and it is important they get high level training from experienced people to support this.”

Mike Penning said: “I really enjoyed meeting with the Sixth Form Leadership Team at Longdean. They are great ambassadors for the school and we had a very interesting discussion about the role of a leader and about public speaking.”