Apprentice Leadership

Apprentice Leadership gives pupils a practical responsibility for the life of their Lodges and the wider School community. Prefects, the Vice-Captain, and the Captain work within defined offices, helping pupils participate in Lodge affairs and providing an orderly route for ordinary concerns. Their example should reflect the conduct expected of a Wizard and the trust placed in them by those they serve.

The five Lodges share one Captaincy. Each Prefect serves their own Lodge, while the Captain and Vice-Captain coordinate work across the Lodges. These offices carry responsibilities as well as recognition, and candidates should consider the time and attention required before seeking appointment.

The Prefect

The Prefect is responsible for the health and activity of their Lodge. This includes creating a monthly Lodge challenge, awarding merits earned by members, and caring for the Lodge's furnished space in vGSW. A Prefect should help members find opportunities to participate and encourage a manner of Lodge life that supports their studies.

The Prefect is also the first ordinary authority for disputes among Apprentices within the Lodge. Members should be able to approach the Prefect with questions about School life and seek help identifying the proper route for a concern. A Prefect should answer within the scope of the office and refer academic judgments, official records, or matters beyond that authority to the responsible person.

In recognition of the service and additional workload, Prefects receive a working scholarship that provides free tuition while they serve their Lodge.

The Vice-Captain

The Vice-Captain supports the Captain's work and helps carry out the Captaincy's responsibilities. This includes assisting with coordination across the Lodges and serving as interim Prefect when a Lodge has no current holder of that office.

The Vice-Captain receives a six-month scholarship in recognition of their service. The role provides continuity when a Lodge or the Captaincy needs additional support and should be exercised in close cooperation with the Captain.

The Captain

The Captain is the senior Apprentice leader and is responsible for supporting the morale and activity of all five Lodges. The Captain provides guidance to Prefects, participates in Lodge challenges, posts a monthly challenge, and assists with the planning of Conclaves and other shared activities.

Ordinary disputes that a Prefect cannot resolve may proceed to the Captain. If the matter remains unresolved or exceeds Apprentice Leadership's authority, it is referred to the Master of Pupils. The School's authority and reporting guidance also provides direct routes for serious concerns and for matters involving the officer who would ordinarily receive a report.

The Captain awards merits earned by Prefects during their term of office. When a Lodge is without a Prefect, its responsibilities fall to the Captain or Vice-Captain, with support from the Head of Lodges where needed.

In recognition of this service, the Captain receives a six-month scholarship and a one-time 50% discount on enrollment costs. That discount applies throughout the pupil's continuing enrollment, but it may be used only once. A pupil who withdraws after using it cannot apply it again upon re-enrollment.

Eligibility for Prefect

A Prefect nominee must be a currently enrolled Apprentice who demonstrates conduct appropriate to the office. The nominee must be at Level 1 or higher, must have completed all required Level 1 classes, and must be willing to register for the School's current Leadership classes.

Candidates should be prepared to show how they would support the Lodge and carry its ordinary responsibilities. The office calls for reliable participation and sound judgment in dealing with questions, disagreements, and shared work.

Eligibility for Vice-Captain

Vice-Captain nominees must be current or former Prefects. They must be at Level 2 or higher, demonstrate conduct appropriate to Apprentice Leadership, and be willing to register for the Leadership classes currently offered by the School.

Previous service gives candidates a practical understanding of Lodge responsibilities. The Vice-Captain must also be able to work beyond their own Lodge and support the Captaincy where its attention is needed.

Eligibility for Captain

Captain nominees are drawn from current or former Vice-Captains and former Prefects. They must be at Level 3 or higher, demonstrate the standards expected of Apprentice Leadership, and be willing to register for the Leadership classes relevant to the position.

The Captain should be prepared to lead through a visible example of responsible conduct. The role requires attention to the whole Apprentice body and to the development of the Prefects who serve alongside the Captaincy.

Applications

Applications are submitted to the Master of Pupils and reviewed with the Head of Lodges. The required application is an essay explaining why the candidate is suited to the position. The minimum lengths are:

Submissions are accepted until one month before the end of term. The Master of Pupils and Head of Lodges review each application and approve or decline the candidacy before the election process proceeds.

Candidates should discuss the responsibilities they are prepared to undertake and the contribution they intend to make. An application is an opportunity to demonstrate that they understand the office and can approach its work with care.

Elections and campaigning

One week before the end of term, a post is made containing the election poll and the approved candidates. Voting remains open until the day before the end of term.

Candidates are expected to campaign respectfully. Posters, videos, and other appropriate campaign material may be used to explain a candidate's intentions and encourage participation. Campaigning should preserve the dignity of fellow candidates and the community whose confidence they are seeking.

Handover and continuing responsibility

At the end of term, Prefects' Lodge furnishings are returned to them and the vGSW Lodge spaces are prepared for the incoming Prefects. Outgoing leaders should approach the change of office as part of their service to the Lodge, helping the next holder understand the work that continues.

The authority of an Apprentice office belongs to the current appointment. Experience gained through leadership remains valuable after the term ends, while the incoming leader receives the responsibilities and authority of the office. The Handbook's Rules and Etiquette explains the appropriate use of emeritus titles.