"The prefectorial system is a non-sensical anachronism that is more relevant to the days of 'Tom Brown' than that of today" or so the story goes.

What is being a. prefect all about?

His task, lies within the narrow confines of being school 'policeman' -not the initiator of rules merely the executive arm. Why are prefects so petty,," a chant echoed by the disgruntled fifth form every year (Tradition manifests itself -In many way). However, they tend to forget that the, "pettiness" merely obscures the underlying care of necessary constraints for the good of all.

It has often 'been said that only a few years seniority exist between prefects and the rest of the school, but, after all, one only spends seven years in this establishment (of very little significance in later life) but in this distorted microcosm that is the school community it is of some importance.

Many people ten to ignore the fact that the "pigs" are human and are the result of a selection procedure that is itself questionable in its validity, There has never been a strict definition of what a prefect should o - even school standing instructions fails to yield an answer! Therefore, it is a question of personal interpretation, Unfortunately power corrupts - this being in the sense that that merely brings to the fore any character defect already inherent in a person. Why, therefore, not blame the person rather than applying the neat label, "School- Pig" - and leave the analysis at that.

"The system", people are usually polarised in their opinion of it; being either for or against. Criticised for as long as it has existed but it has survived with a few adjustments. Its essence is the Maintenance of a hierarchy, with privileges granted from the apex of the school social pyramid and reflected downwards, It is, perhaps, another human failing that any attempt at subverting or challenging one's rights or privileges is resisted. Many feel that on returning to the sixth form, they deserve the perks thirst that come with the extra responsibility.

It is a sad fact that the idealistic crusaders of the fifth form, if they return the following year, seem to lose those heady ideals and principles so dearly cherished before. The grass "is indeed, greener on the other side: after leaving the "Us" clan, they join the "Them" camp.

MPG