Student Leadership

A dedicated team of students apply for, and are appointed to assist in whole school developments, briefing and informing both fellow students and members of the community on school matters and changes.

They contribute to the school newsletter; promote health and well-being; organise fund-raising; increase community links; cohere student voice; conduct learners’ views; act as peer mentors; act as guides and ambassadors; and help shape school initiatives.

The information below is broken down into the following categories;

• 1. Aims of Student Leadership
• 2. Overview
• 3. Roles of Student Leadership
• Head Boy/Girl
• Student Leadership Team
• Student Peer Mentors / Buddy Readers
• Anti-bullying Ambassadors
• Student Ambassadors
• Student Interviewers

1. Aims of Student Leadership

• To offer a range of roles and responsibilities to a large number of the student population
• To promote student leadership, active ownership and a sense of pride in whole school matters
• To develop staff: student dialogue, especially around teaching and learning, healthy schools
• To deepen student engagement and positive self-esteem
• To contribute to whole school improvement

2. Overview

The role of the students in the life of the school is vital if we are to continue to thrive and become a high performing school, which empowers all our students. There will be an extensive range of opportunities for students to contribute to the well-being and development of the school during all stages of their school career and compliment the leadership potential available through the vertical house system. Students will be encouraged to contribute formally and informally in a number of ways and through a variety of democratic structures. All roles on the student leadership programme will be advertised and students will be allowed to apply for positions of responsibility within the academic year.

3.Roles within Student Leadership

Head Boy/Girl

Sixth Form students apply for and are given posts of responsibility within the school. There is a Head Boy and Head Girl (Year 13) and Deputy Head Boy and Girl (Year 12) who represent the school and work with SLT and the Governing Body on issues that affect the students’ experience. They will lead the student leadership team, attend and chair cabinet meetings, and represent the school in a number of public evenings.

Student Leadership Team

The student leadership team consists of 40 students representing each year group and house within the school. Nominated students attend a recruitment day at the start of the academic year which is designed to test their communication, cooperation and decision making skills. Once elected, the team chooses a range of projects to work on throughout the year. Recent examples of projects we have worked on include revamping dining arrangements, developing the school recycling facilities and looking at ways to improve mental health. Team members meet regularly with SLT to discuss the work they have been doing. Other responsibilities include organising fund raising events, presenting in assemblies and creating notice boards to inform other students of their work”

Student Peer Mentors / Buddy Readers

Student learning mentors who mentor and support the progress, achievement and well-being of younger students within the school. They will meet their mentees on a regular basis, follow a formalised programme that will track and check the progress of the mentees. The SLMs will attend a training session and will liaise and feedback with their House Progress Leader on a regular basis The opportunity provides younger students to receive support from their peers, and the mentors to develop leadership, communication skills, and enhance their employability when leaving the school.

Anti-bullying Ambassadors

ABAs are a team of students who promote the anti-bullying message within the school community, creating a positive, safe and happy environment to work in. They are a point of contact for students who may have concerns around being bullied or other students who are being victimised. This group of students report to the House team.

Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors are called upon during the year for parents’ evenings, open days, induction evenings, and to act as tour guides. Their primary role is to act as good publicists for the school and to support the management of whole school events. They receive appropriate training tailored to the event that they will support.

Student Interviewers

This body of students are responsible for interviewing all new members of staff at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School and make a recommendation to the interview panel. Any role advertised and interviewed for meets with a Student Interview Panel. It is a very positive part of the recruitment process for candidates, the students and the school.