Schools That Rock asked a few questions to Paige Raw, Head Prefect of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School.
Question: How do you experience the influence of the Covid19 virus on our country?
I am very thankful to be in quarantine in a safe and comfortable home environment. My brother and I have a routine going that involves cleaning the house, making food, studying, doing something creative (be it dancing or drawing), exercising, and let me not forget the enthralling daily discussions. This pandemic has given me a tremendous amount of time to think. I believe it has been an experience of personal growth. Other than the positives of giving people time to think, adapt and appreciate life a bit more, COVID-19 is definitely having a negative impact on our country. The economy is taking a severe knock, people may be in isolation with an abusive person, and when the virus travels to the vulnerable communities, it will be catastrophic.
Question: Do you think the virus will influence future education at schools? Will schools approach education in a new way?
I do believe the virus will influence future education in schools. Firstly, COVID-19 has ultimately illustrated how globally interconnected we are. No longer do we have isolated issues and actions. Schools should approach education in a new way by helping students understand this inter relatedness and steer across boundaries to grasp the beauty of differences and work in a globally collaborative way. Secondly, as the world continues to change, humans are required to be resilient and adapt. I believe from now onward, employers will be looking for skills that include collaboration, creativity, communication, emotional intelligence, and working across demographic lines for effective teamwork.
Question: How are you planning to still reach your goals for your last year at school?
My goals for the school year purely lie in improving the mind set of Girls’ High learners. I dream of guiding the girls into understanding that GHS is something spectacular. It is an establishment where you gain knowledge inside and outside the classroom. It is more than just being taught the syllabus, it is about having the space to grow and improve, to feel empathy, to be open-minded, and to form deep bonds. So even through this lockdown, the 2020 Vision has still continued. It is a mental challenge for the girls that I have discretely initiated from my home. Like me, they too have time to think. And thinking is a very powerful tool.
Question: What and where are you going to study after school?
I have been provisionally accepted at Stellenbosch University for a BA in Humanities. I am fascinated in the behaviour of humans and I would like to move forward with that in a more creative way.