Roles and Responsibilities of

Prefects

Dane Egla, National President

STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

1. Define the terms:a. Prefect;b. Prefect body (Prefecture);c. Roles;d. Responsibilities;

2. List the roles and responsibilities of a prefect;

3. Discuss ‘Why be a prefect?’;

4. Give a brief overview of the Jamaica Prefects’ Association (JPA)

A prefect is a student/

pupil who is appointed

by the school

administration to

maintain an atmosphere

of peace, cooperation

and unity among peers

within the school

environment.

WHO IS A PREFECT?

A prefect body (prefecture), is a group of students from an institution that form a representative body that accentuates the overall values, principles and exemplary conduct of students of their schools. They assist the school’s administration and other stakeholders by working in tandem with them to aid in guaranteeing the overall smooth operation and performance of schools.

WHAT IS A PREFECT BODY?

1. Roles: refers to one’s position on the team.

2. Responsibilities: refers to the particular functions, duties and/or tasks that are executed while in a particular role. In other words, it refers to the job description!

In the JPA, all the following roles are used interchangeably when referring to prefects: A. Head Boy / Head GirlB. Deputy Head Boys / Head GirlsC. Senior PrefectsD. PrefectsE. Sub-Prefects

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PREFECT BODY

These officers are selected to assist with maintaining discipline and fostering student development at the school. They assist in the following areas;

A. In classrooms – as class monitors, keeping order and assisting with taking register at the start of the day.

B. In assembly – monitoring class at assembly, in absence of teacher.

C. In canteen – ensuring orderly distribution.

D. On campus – monitoring the main gate before school, provide assistance in keeping the campus student free during class time.

A. Maintaining discipline in the school.

B. Coordinating the responsibilities of all prefects and sub-prefects.

C. Serving as a positive role model for other students.

D. Meeting with the Principal, Vice Principals, administrative staff and teachers to discuss vital issues relating to the student body, vision, direction and image of the school.

E. Representing the school at important outings and at all other times.

HEAD PREFECTS (HEAD BOY AND GIRL)

A. Assist the Head Prefect in directing the prefect body.

B. Maintain discipline in the school.

C. Serving as a positive role model for all the students.

D. Act as a mentor to the prefects and the wider student body.

E. Awarding detentions and making recommendations for suspensions if applicable.

F. Assisting the head prefect in the proper running of the prefect body.

DEPUTY PREFECTS (DEPUTY HEAD BOY AND

GIRL)

A. Coordinating the year group to which they are assigned, ensuring that each prefect is early and present at their assigned form room in the morning and in the afternoon.

B. Reporting any student problems in his year group to the deputies or head prefect.

C. Meeting with the Head Prefect, Deputies, and Prefects to discuss important school related issues.

D. Making recommendations on the issuing of awards and merits to students and prefects.

E. Awarding detentions and making recommendations for suspensions.

SENIOR PREFECTS

PREFECTS

A. Carrying out form room assignments, bonding with the students to instill discipline, brother/sister-hood, good morals, etc.

B. Monitoring the class in assembly.

C. Carrying out classroom duties in the absence of the form teacher, such as marking the form register and carrying out form devotion if required.

D. Performing other duties such as substituting for a teacher, patrolling the school compound, maintaining order in the library, at the canteen areas, at school assembly, etc.

E. Reporting to the senior year prefect in charge of the year groups also to the Head Boy/Girl and their deputies.

SUB-PREFECTS

A. Acting as Prefect in the absence or the Form Prefect.

B. Assisting form teachers with form room and other classroom duties.

C. Maintaining discipline in the school.

D. Helping the prefects with all on-campus duties, including assembly, canteen and ground patrol duties.

It helps students to:

• Develop leadership skills;

• Get certain opportunities that will support college applications and scholarships etc;

• Increases social and networking skills;

• Improve/build on certain skill sets such as public speaking, time management; accountability and organization;

• Make a difference and bring about positive change!

ABOUT THE JPA

The Jamaica Prefects’ Association (JPA) is therepresentative body for prefectures island-wide. Its mandate is to coordinate prefectswhile developing their leadership skills.

The JPA succeeded the National Head PrefectsAssociation of Jamaica which came from thePeace for Champs Campaign during 2007-2008. The body was officially launched inApril 2009.

For more information, visit one of the followingwebsites:

o https://www.scribd.com/document/394125891/Revised-Constitution-of-the-Jamaica-Prefects-Association-II

o https://youthjamaica.com/content/jamaica-prefects-association-jpa

ANY QUESTIONS?