Ossett's student leaders learn how their voice can be heard

Ossett School (Technology and Sports College) joined forces with Knottingley High School and their feeder schools to organise a conference entitled 'Powerful Student Voice' for 120 students. Representatives from Graham and Raincliffe Schools in Scarborough, also attended the day. The cost of the event was kindly sponsored by Wakefield Metropolitan Council and representative from the SSAT also attended the day.

All students wore business / office clothing on the day and were treated like delegates on any course attended by adults.

Martin Shevill, Strategic Headteacher and NLE, opened the day with a keynote speech about the massive potential of student voice. This was followed by a session on 'effective leadership' by Liz Churton, Principal of Knottingley High School.
Students were given the opportunity to learn how to chair meetings effectively, produce ‘action point’ minutes, manage student council budgets as well as representing the views of their fellow students effectively.
During the afternoon students were involved in workshop training sessions covering ‘Peer Mentoring’, ‘Student Interviewers’, and ‘Students as Classroom Consultants’. Whilst the Primary School children attended a workshop on writing a pupil SEF and delivering ‘Pupil Choice’ lessons.
Gareth Mason, Assistant Principal of Knottingley High school commented that ‘it is amazing how much young people can contribute to school improvement and the development of learning and teaching in our schools, when given the opportunity to lead’.
It is hoped that this conference will prove vital in each of these schools achieving powerful and effective student voice.