BCE Student Voice was initiated by the BCE Student Protection team in 2017. We began with a deliberate focus on enhancing students' sense of safety, belonging and connection in BCE Schools. Research confirms that students learn best when they feel safe, included and connected to their school community.
We found ourselves coming back to 3 key questions:
- What do students need to feel safe and included at school?
- What are the key challenges that students face on a daily basis?
- How do we involve students in creating safe, inclusive and engaging learning communities?
To find out the answers to these questions we went to the source, our students. This is how the BCE Student Voice initiative began. Moving into the future, we believe that partnerships with students are vital to creating innovation, resilience and hope within the BCE education system.
Join us in recognizing the transformational power of student voice.
Our Journey
Listening and Learning (2017–2018)
- Student Voice began as a Student Protection Team project focused on improving students sense of safety at school
- Student perspectives were gathered on safety, belonging, and barriers to voice
- Insights from students informed the development of the School Safety Report in 2018
Changemakers in Action (2019)
- Established structures and opportunities for Student Voice across BCE
- Formed the first Student Voice Consultant Team
- Hosted the first Festival of Ideas, creating a platform for students to share ideas and share the future of education.
Connecting and Engaging (2020–2021)
- Embedded Student Voice across classrooms, schools, and the wider BCE system
- Partnered with the Quaglia Institute to define Student Voice
- Introduced training for Student Voice Advocates in schools
- Students contributed to BCE’s response to alternative learning models during COVID-19
- Hosted the first online Festival of Ideas and contributed to mental health, consent and respectful relationships initiatives
- Student Voice Consultants met with BCE’s Executive Leadership Team for the first time
Partnership in Action (2022–2023)
- Strengthened the position of Student Voice within BCE
- Introduced the Executive Engagement Agreement to formalize student engagement with BCE leadership
- Transformed Student Voice from a project to an established, business-as-usual function
- Expanded youth leadership opportunities within the Consultant team
- Hosted the largest Festival of Ideas to date and increased student involvement in BCE projects
Embedding Voice (2024–2026)
- Launched the Student Voice Network to connect and develop student leaders across BCE
- Expanded consultation opportunities for students across the BCE system
- Supported schools to strengthen student leadership and participation structures
- Developed resources, frameworks and toolkits to support Student Voice in schools
- Continuing to build student capability and showcase best practice across BCE