Ruk and Jude took time away from a whole school activity day celebrating the empowerment of women, to talk to us about life at Cobham Hall, their roles as Guardian and Deputy Guardian, and their hopes for the future. Jude was too modest to mention it but we hear that he is the school’s first ever male Deputy Guardian. Cobham Hall has become fully co-educational and are now taking applicants.

Tell us about your titles and the responsibilities they bring.

Ruk: Since our school was established we have had Guardians and Deputy Guardians. The whole school community (students and staff) takes part in the election process and it’s a real honour to have been chosen. I see my role as being someone who you can rely upon, who will listen to fellow students and represent them to improve the school. We have regular meetings and ensure good communication flows in each direction – we’re the bridge between students and staff.

Jude: Ruk does a wonderful job as Guardian and as Deputy Guardian I am also here to be really approachable, to listen to our fellow students, and also to support Ruk in her role, which is very demanding. If she needs to step back or needs help, I am here. Alongside our meetings we have questionnaires for the students and ensure their suggestions are passed on to staff.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Jude: I was a head boy at my previous school, so I have a bit of experience but this is slightly different because we’re given more freedom and also responsibility. I feel we’re treated more as adults.
I really enjoy the fact that we get to organise events, which is great for developing skills. I get to coordinate with people in and out of school, a challenge I really relish. The diverse community of the school really adds to my enjoyment and learning experience too.

Ruk: I also very much enjoy organising events. I’m from Thailand and so the opportunity to spread my culture and learn about others is fantastic. I am a boarder and recently I ran a Saturday School where I taught my fellow students to cook Pad Thai. There are over 28 nationalities in the school with many represented in my boarding house. It’s great to learn about others and I also love helping make everyone feel at home. Recently we ran culture day where everyone got the chance to wear their own traditional dresses and best of all, I learned how to make dumplings!

What are your favourite subjects and activities?

Ruk: I am a biology, chemistry and maths scholar. I’m also doing an EPQ looking at the factors increasing the prevalence of allergies, comparing low income and high income countries. We’re very lucky here to have small class sizes and so the teachers are able to give excellent support when you need it. I’ve had the opportunity to attend biology lectures, go on science trips and I run activities and sessions at STEM club. I have also just returned from the Duke of Edinburgh expedition, which was incredible.

Jude: I take biology, chemistry and PE and I would say biology is my favourite subject. Away from the classroom I’m passionate about music. Earlier on in the year I joined the Benesonantes Chamber Choir here, which is slightly more experienced, it’s something I didn’t think I’d ever do but it’s a really enjoyable experience. I also take guitar lessons – I love the fact that there are so many opportunities here to learn diverse instruments and take part in so many different activities.

What are your hopes for the future?

Jude: At this particular point in time I hope to study biomedicine at university, then join the Army as a medic so that I can become a doctor. I’d love to retire nice and early and go into politics. I’m passionate about wanting to improve things.

Ruk: I would like to study biochemistry and anthropology. I’m still deciding but I would like to finish my studies in the UK and then go back home to Thailand and hopefully help develop the country and do as many great things there as possible.

Do you have someone who inspires you?

Ruk: Krisana Kraisintu is a Thai scientist and doctor – one of those dedicated females in STEM who I find totally inspirational. She dedicated her time to formulating a vaccine to treat HIV and she was the first to achieve it. She also works to help those suffering from a lack of nutrition in Africa.

Jude: I was diagnosed with epilepsy just before my 13th birthday. Dr Ahmed really helped me get through the whole process, which was so different to what life had been like prior to my diagnosis. Now I’ve really got used to it and I’m so grateful to him. He really looks after me and he has encouraged and inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.

If you’d like to find out more about Cobham Hall, visit cobhamhall.com