Pupil Voice
Pupils are encouraged and facilitated to contribute positively to the life of the school through the Student Council, pupil focus groups and online surveys. The Student Council is an elected body of pupils whose purpose is to represent their year group and to be a forum for active and constructive pupil input into the daily life of the school community.
The purpose of the Student Council is:
To develop positive attitudes and relationships throughout the whole school
To improve school morale
To provide a forum for student expression
To facilitate pupil input into the whole school decision making policy
Objectives of the Student Council are to:
Provide a democratic forum in which students can address school related issues, which affect them
Maintain open communication between students and school staff
Structure
The student body is led by the Pupil Senior Leadership Team, which is made up of students in Year 14 who are elected as a result of a school vote and an interview. These are the Head Boys and the Deputy Head Boys.
Following elections, every two years, four councillors are elected from each year group. The councillors attend monthly meetings. The councillors role is to represent their year group and take part in the decision making process in school. They then feedback to the year group during assemblies. There are 3 main areas:
Curriculum Team
Pastoral Team
PR Team
Curriculum Team
We discuss all things to do with the school Curriculum, from Key Stage 3 to Post 16.
Pastoral Team
We discuss all things Pastoral, from our Wellbeing to extra-curricular activities.
PR Team
We organise all things fundraising, from Bake Sales to Elfie Week
Function
The student council regularly meet with members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), including Mrs Montgomery, the Principal, to ensure they are involved in all elements of school life from the canteen to recruitment.
A chair person and vice chair person are elected. They set an agenda alongside the teacher representative and are responsible for the momentum of the meetings. They focus on four key issues:
Pupil welfare
School environment
Opportunities/experiences
Consultations
Minutes are taken during every meeting and sent to the Principal and the SLT teacher responsible for the Student Council. Issues that arise are discussed and feedback is provided to the council.
The Student Council is frequently asked by the Principal, teachers and other agencies such as DENI, to participate in consultations.
The Student Council places information on social media and also provides feedback to the Board of Governors at the end of the year.
The Senior Pupil Leadership Team
The Senior Pupil Leadership Team along with our Prefects system allows pupils to play an important and influential role in school, undertaking responsibilities with regard to pupil wellbeing, charity and school events. These opportunities allow boys to develop their initiative, team work and leadership abilities, as well as problem solving and resilience.
Pupil Focus Group Surveys
As part of the school’s cycle of self-evaluation and drive for continuous improvement, pupils are invited to give their views on a range of issues including teaching and learning, assessment, school ethos and pastoral care. Pupils' views inform the School Development Plan.
