At St Michael’s Church of England High School, we believe consultation with students is integral to nurturing responsible, collaborative and pro-active young people. Engaging students in sharing thoughts, ideas and opinions about teaching and learning, pastoral matters and their school experience as a whole, in turn, helps to build their confidence in school structures and procedures.
Student Voice offers a sense of community and strength within the school by complementing the school’s ethos and allowing our young people to engage in decision-making processes. Student Voice relaunched in January 2012 and has gone from strength to strength, providing a wide range of opportunities within school and the wider community. Student Voice welcomes students of all ages and abilities to take part, enabling them to develop their confidence, self-esteem, initiative and much more.
The board of members currently consists of around 100 students, who meet weekly during lunchtimes and after school. Often students will attend activities and meetings during evenings, school holidays and weekends depending on the project they have chosen. Our team of students are passionate about their work and strive to make a difference to others. Our initiatives vary based on student ideas and trending issues.
Ongoing projects include:
- Mickies’ Biccies & Brew Coffee Morning
- LINKS Intergenerational Committee
- 21st Century Child
- Team Transition – Primary Partnerships
- Fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- #21AOK Kindness Campaign
Fundraising is one of Student Voice’s biggest achievements, with the team raising more than £40,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital alone. In addition to this, we also support other local and global initiatives, (which has increased our fundraising total to more than £55,000 since 2012), with the support of their school community and wider partnerships. Students organise their fundraising activities and events, which range from supermarket bag packs to a large scale Winter Fayre.
In addition to all of the activities mentioned, Student Voice takes part in numerous consultation activities and members have regular opportunities to share their ideas with school staff, the Headteacher and the governing board as well as our partner agencies such as West Midlands Police and local councillors.
The community office is the hub for all Student Voice activities and we are always looking for new members. If you would like to find out more, please contact Kerry Whitehouse at kerry.whitehouse1@st-michaels.sandwell.sch.uk.