Amid this current digital revolution, one thing that’s changed significantly in the last ten years is the activities that pupils partake in. From interactive apps and AI in the classrooms, to gaming and ‘phoning’ out of school, many of today’s children spend a large portion of time on devices. They have the autonomy to communicate with others anytime and anywhere; our pupils can learn, talk, and share opinions with a vast universe of online groups, on a global scale. They are used to information being quick to obtain, read, and digest, and delivered in engaging, fast-paced formats with evolving designs and increasing dynamism. Pupils’ needs and expectations in the classroom are changing rapidly – and as educators, we must keep up.
To chime with the modern pupil, teachers at Thorpe Hall School have in place structures to hear pupils’ opinions on what we teach and how we teach it, so that the lessons we deliver keep up with the expectations of a digitally competent generation.
Our staff recognize that students have valuable insights that can inform teaching strategies and curriculum development. This collaborative approach fosters an inclusive, relevant, and engaging educational experience for students.
‘I feel like I can speak my mind and be listened to. The school doesn’t adjust to the students, the school moulds around them to help them be the best they can be’
Florence, Year 9 – Junior Student Leadership Team member
Additionally, when students feel valued and heard, they are more motivated to collaborate, take ownership of their learning, and contribute positively. We actively seek their views at every age-group. Across the school, our ethos is that there is no silly question and that by questioning the status quo, we move forward as a community.
In Prep, before pupils go home, they are asked whether they are going home happy, giving the opportunity for individuals to highlight the good things they have experienced, but also anything that needs to be addressed. In all age groups, we also seek student feedback via regular surveys, open letters and through the SLT’s open-door policy.
‘One thing that really makes someone feel good is listening to them- and this school has definitely exercised this’
Emmanuel, Year 10 – Senior Student Leadership Team member
Wibble Shop – Prep Leadership Team – Thorpe Hall School
Prep Cookery Club – Proposed and Run by Year 6 students
To engage our students in their learning, we afford them the opportunity to be teachers. Our most senior student leaders become the mentors for their successors, and in Prep our buddy schemes give older pupils the chance to help nurture and inspire our littlest learners. Our senior students often take the lead in assemblies, developing their public speaking skills and delivering talks on subjects that they are passionate about. In Prep we support pupils with the ambition and ideas to deliver activities for their peers – and these ideas contribute to better academic outcomes for all. Examples include the “Wibble Shop” initiative lead by a Year 6 pupil to teach younger Prep students about money, and the Prep Cookery club, which was proposed and run exclusively by members of our Prep Leadership Team.
Student Voice and the Student Leadership structure in the Senior years has given genuine opportunities for Thorpe Hall students to shape the school in other ways too.
Junior Student Leadership Team 2023/4
Students are given leadership mentoring and taught how to present an idea in a rational, considered manner, how to frame their requests in the context of the advantages they represent, and how to harness popular opinion to gain support from their peers. In this process, they are honing valuable life skills –such as negotiation, persuasion, and compromise – and learning that they can harness these powers to drive actual change in the areas that matter to them most. Whether it’s changing our uniform policy to allow students to wear their hair down, suggesting new additions to our extra-curricular provision, or campaigning for more non-school uniform days to raise money for national charity, students are empowered by seeing how they too can influence decisions that affect their day-to-day life in school.
‘I think that our opinions are listened to and in student voice some of our ideas have even coming to fruition. I think we are listened to as when we ask for something as long as it’s reasonable the teachers will consider it’
William, Year 10 – Senior Student Leadership Team member
When you spend time at Thorpe Hall School, the positive aspects of pupil voice are obvious.
Our pupils’ involvement in decision-making processes cultivates important life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective, confident communication. It nurtures a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning, leading to both engagement and motivation. It also enhances their self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. In an era where screen time and social media is posing a proven risk to mental wellbeing and self-esteem, this has never been more important.
In fact, in our latest full inspection, the ISA judged the overall quality of the pupil’s personal development as ‘excellent’ – and our dedication to student voice contributed greatly to this.
Ultimately, Thorpe Hall students are proud and confident, because they know their voice matters.
‘Being a part of the student leadership team has given me some amazing opportunities. Since becoming head of the student voice team my confidence has gone up. I have become more confident in public situations, and this is all thanks to SSLT. I have been given the opportunity to have a say in big changes and events within the school’
Emilie, Year 10, Senior Student Leadership Team member
The impact of pupil voice extends way beyond our school gates. By giving students a platform to voice their concerns, we address issues related to bias, discrimination, and inequality, promoting social justice and equal opportunities. As students develop their understanding of democratic processes, we are pleased to note they become active citizens, capable of shaping the future direction of their communities and society at large.
Students who feel valued develop empathy. By valuing our students’ opinions, and promoting open and honest communication, we have created an ethos where diverse voices are heard and respected, and a culture of appreciation for different perspectives. Our students collaborate with diverse groups of people, and we equip our students with the tools needed to develop positive peer relationships and the skills needed to navigate social dynamics.
“Free, I feel free as I have a voice and stand up for the school. Student leadership has brought a big change for me when I joined this school. I love making events, such as charity event, sports event and more. Lot of students attend the student voice, and a lot of voices are heard during it.”
Sitara, Year 9, Junior Student Leadership Team member
By embracing pupil voice, we feel that Thorpe Hall School has created an inclusive, democratic, and inspiring environment that truly values the voices and perspectives of all its community.