Pupils set a new agenda for schools

Date and Time of Publication:- 2008-10-21 14:17:24

9.30am – 3pm Wednesday 22nd October

Royal Chace Hotel

The Ridgeway

Enfield EN2

Students from 12 Enfield secondary schools are running a unique conference setting the agenda for greater student empowerment at their schools.

For the first time over 120 students are taking part in this day long event sharing information and introducing new ideas to each other as part of excellent practice in Enfield schools.

The youngsters aged between 13 and 15 will be running their own workshops demonstrating new and exciting ideas that bring more involvement and equality to them as they learn.

For example, Chace Community School invites students to take part in the interviewing process for staff. Broomfield is looking at a student parliament, while Lea Valley High is explaining the art of good communication.

At Bishop Stopford students are observing lessons, while at Edmonton County they are investigating every aspect of school life in a project called ‘Insted’.

Students from the George Mitchell School in Leyton will also be contributing two workshops – one on making learning better that offers advice to teachers and another on bullying.

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Cllr Glynis Vince, cabinet member for education, children’s services and youth said, “This unique conference recognises what young people have to offer at school and how their experiences can influence the way our schools are run.

“We are listening to young people – their views and ideas are not only valid – but also extremely helpful in creating strong learning communities.”

Peter Lewis, director for education, children’s services and leisure, added, “This conference will give us all something to think about and there are some great ideas to put into practice. I am looking forward to seeing what develops from this event.”

Workshops for 2008 Pupil Voice Conference

Making Learning Better: George Mitchell School, Leyton.

This group of students will be talking about their student led forum, MLB that looks to provide advice and guidance to teachers and senior leaders in the school on making learning better for all students, led by students, made for teachers. This programme has received international recognition.

Students against Bullying: George Mitchell School, Leyton.

This workshop outlines the pupil led initiative that aims to reduce the incidents of bullying in this school. Student members provide advice, support and guidance to both those being bullied and to those students who are brave enough to admit they have been a bully to others - another programme that has received international recognition.

Speed Dating, Interviewing Prospective Teachers:

Chace Community School, Enfield

Students from Chace Community School share their experiences (in an interactive way) of interviewing prospective staff members through a speed-dating programme that is running in the school. They explain the benefits of being involved in the recruitment process of new staff. Find out what tricky questions they will be asking!

Developing a Student Parliament: Broomfield School, Enfield

These students are going to outline how to take your average student council and turn it into an exciting, innovative and powerful student parliament that makes much more of a difference than improving school toilets and moaning about uniform!

The Art or Persuasive Communication: Lea Valley High School, Enfield

Students from Lea Valley are talking about ‘getting their point across’. They will outline how they have used effective communication to make a real difference in their school. Quite often it is not what you say, but how you say it as Lea Valley students will explain……

Student Observers: Bishop Stopford’s School, Enfield

These students outline how their school and teachers have empowered them to become lesson observers and tell the teachers what they really think! Test your powers of observation when they ask you to step into the shoes of a lesson observer and give feedback on a real lesson.

Insted, the student led school appraisal, Edmonton County, Enfield

You may have heard of Ofsted, but have you heard of Insted? This is the pupil led investigation process developed by pupils at Edmonton County School. Students lead a full school investigation process that looks at everything from healthy eating, teaching practices and school buildings, at this school students really do get their say!

This document was last updated on 2008-10-21 14:17:24 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133469