Student Voice

How do we collect student voice?

Our aim is to have recognised times of year where students are able to have their voice heard, but also to be able to recognise when it has been heard. This will be via:

• Suggestions boxes (physical and online) where students can submit their views
• Year teams meeting with their representatives, once a term
• Student Delegates elected by their year group, meeting with Student voice lead once a term
• Minutes of meeting being shared with SLT/Academy Council each term

Student Council Plan 2024/2025

Elections for Student council:

Student council will consist of 2 Elected Delegates from each year group

This was advertised during tutor time in September to promote and explaining the process

Students will nominated themselves for election with a statement of why they should be elected, during a tutor morning in the last week of September.

Students will be voted for their respectives of their year groups on ballots distributed to tutor groups on the 2^nd October 2024.  Council members were then announced Monday 7^th October 2024.

Students who were on the ballot but did not win the election were still identified as reps for the year group and will be involved in any events that require year specific student voice. The 2 candidates with the highest votes became the delegates and will attend termly, after school meetings.

Student Reps 2024/25

Pastoral teams will meet their student reps (delegates included) once a term to collect student voice covering the topic that will be discussed and minutes to be fed back within the Student Council meeting that term. (e.g. If council are due to meet w/c 11^th November, Year teams to meet with their reps w/c 4^th November).

Having this structure will mean that there are stages to student voice collection so that students may champion on issues when working through the agenda in our termly delegate meetings.

Meeting Schedule

Council meetings will be held termly one day after school. Each meeting will follow the same format:

1. Recap of previous meeting/updates on previous actions
2. Read through Suggestion box suggestions
3. Cover topic
4. Confirm date of next meeting

The Proposed dates and topics are:

Autumn Term:

Term 1 Meeting (w/c 7^th October):

1. Welcome and Introductions:
   • Introduction of new council members.
   • Outline goals and expectations for the year.
2. School Environment and Facilities:
   • Discuss any immediate concerns regarding school site (classrooms, bathroom etc.)
   • Plan for any improvements or ongoing issues with the building.
3. Communication and Representation:
   • Strategies for effective communication between council members and their tutor groups.
   • Setting up suggestion boxes or digital feedback systems.

Term 2 Meeting (w/c 11^th November):

1. Academic Support and Resources:
   • Review the availability and effectiveness of academic resources (Discovery Centre, teacher after school support, online resources?).
   • Discuss support systems for students who may be struggling.
2. Extracurricular Activities: (H Palmer)
   • Assess current clubs and activities.
   • Plan for any new clubs or activities based on student interest.
3. Community and School Spirit:
   • Plan events or initiatives to boost school spirit and community (e.g., spirit weeks, school fairs).

Spring Term:

Term 3 Meeting (w/c 13^th January):

1. Health and Wellbeing:
   • Discuss mental health resources and support.
   • Plan health and wellbeing initiatives (e.g., stress management workshops, fitness activities).
2. Bullying and Inclusion:
   • Review current anti-bullying policies and their effectiveness.
   • Plan initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity.
3. Academic Policies:
   • Discuss homework policies, grading systems, and exam preparations.
   • Gather feedback on any academic policy changes needed.

Term 4 Meeting (w/c 3^rd March):

1. School Events and The #CABExperience:
   • CAB Fast March 2025
   • Plans for any school events of the year (e.g. Fund Raising, talent shows).
   • Review and plan for any school traditions.
2. Environmental Initiatives:
   • Discuss potential eco-friendly initiatives? (e.g., recycling programs, energy-saving campaigns).
   • Plan for Earth Day? (22^nd April 2025).
3. Technology and Innovation:
   • Review the use of technology in school/E Safety
   • Discuss any technological improvements City Academy could consider?

Summer Term:

Term 5 Meeting (w/c 28^th April):

1. Exam Preparation and Stress Management:
   • What can we be doing as a school to support year 11s in their upcoming exams?
   • Review and discuss ways to improve exam preparation period.
2. Feedback and Improvement:
   • Collect feedback on the school year so far.
   • Discuss any immediate improvements that can be implemented.
3. Safety and Security:
   • Review school safety policies and procedures.
   • Plan for any necessary safety drills or updates.

Term 6 Meeting (w/c 9^th June):

1. Culture week 18^th July:
   • Reflect on the accomplishments and challenges the student council face this academic year.
   • Document successes and areas for improvement.
2. Transition and Planning for Next Year:
   • Discuss the election process for student council next year
   • Set preliminary goals and areas of focus for the council next year.
3. Celebration and Recognition:
   • Celebrations the contributions of the student council and recognise outstanding members.
   • Reflect on personal and group achievements.

Dates: