Curriculum
Student Leadership
We believe encouraging student voice is vital to ensure that students can contribute to their learning environment.
Whilst student voice is employed throughout tutor time and lessons, the formal structure of School Parliament has been established.
School Council
All tutor group members elect a student to be their School Council representative. Members of School Council opt to belong to either the Teaching & Learning Committee or the Communities Committee. These mirror the Academy Local Governing Body structure – giving students the potential for two-way communication across school life.
School Council meetings are held half termly, and Committees meet twice between these meetings. Representatives are encouraged to collect their tutor groups’ opinions and feelings on a range of topics related to both school and student life.
Students contribute to whole school improvements relating to as many aspects of their school life as possible: from school lunches to rewards policy, to improving the school and surrounding community. What our students say is extremely important to us and our teachers feed back and act on their suggestions and opinions.
In June, all students in Years 7 to 10 have the opportunity to put themselves forward to be a Schools Council Representative. An election process is undertaken with students attending assemblies and presenting their ideas to other members of their tutor and year group. In October, new Year 7 students are also given the opportunity to put themselves forward for membership and a second election is held just for them.
School Council Meetings Cycle: Full Year schedule of Council Meetings > Feedback to the Senior Leadership Team > Actions are reported in the next cycle of meetings.
Young School Leaders and Prefects
Students can apply for the role of Young School Leader (YSL) in Year 10, and Prefect in Year 11. Being accepted for either role is regarded as an honour, and shows how highly the school community values the efforts of that student as a role model to others.
Students wishing to apply for the role of YSL or Prefect will write a letter of application. This needs to state why they feel they should be considered for the role, how they contribute to the school community, and how they would work to improve the school, including ideas for development. In addition, students will identify a specific role they feel they would like to undertake from the YSL and Prefect Careers Paper. These are clearly defined roles for YSL and Prefects throughout the school; for example, the Prefect for Humanities would assist the faculty with displays, resources and specific Engage Evenings/open evenings.
YSLs are recognised within school by a specific badge, with Prefects being awarded the Prefect Tie.
From the successful applicants, a small group of Senior Prefects are selected, followed by the Head Boy and Head Girl, and Deputy Head Boy and Girl.
