Showcase

Issues identified by students:

Click on the image below to read the issues students identified in more detail.

Student perspectives of Student Voice in Action in BCE:

At the 2020 Festival of Ideas student delegates explored the 3 key elements of student voice:

how these elements are currently implemented in schools
the challenges to achieving them
Hopes and dreams on how it could be in the future

Here is what delegates shared:

	What current examples of this do you see in schools?	What are the current challenges to achieve this in schools?	What are your future hopes and dreams of how this could happen in schools?
Accepting responsibility for not only what you say but what needs to be done	Student or college representative councils (SRCs/CRCs) Student leadership (Year 12 captains) Peer mentoring / Big Sister programs Community groups (over many year levels) (gender split groups) Principals and staff accept responsibility Sporting days run by students Student-run extra-curricular activities Development built into PCs Student run activities (e.g. tech free Tuesdays) Opportunities for student input events (e.g. mini Festival of Ideas)	Leaders may not do enough (status-based elections) Tokenistic movements Complaints of students about problems caused by them Teachers/staff not listening Complaints about things that can't change but not helping themselves to cope Student wellbeing isn't considered Division between what students want and what happens Staff take student ideas but don't let students later participate/organise Student clubs are organised/run by staff Staff views are pushed on students Overt discrimination / lack of respect No student-led activities/clubs No team/committee to put forward student ideas	Students listened to Connections to make change Form new relationships Students are taught how to contribute in an effective way EVERY student has the opportunity to voice their opinion Sense of inclusivity Everyone steps up and accepts responsibility Teachers let students take responsibility No complaints; just working effectively Voice not noise Everyone displays open-mindedness Every age and voice is equally respected Students mingle openly (buddy system / advice)
Offering realistic suggestions and expectations for the good of the whole	SRCs/CRCs Class captains, student leadership Students take charge of the solution Build student clubs in collaboration with teachers Encourage student participation when students run school events Containers for Change Communication – better means	CYBERBULLYING Offered suggestions don't always happen Staff not following through Clubs are not open to all COMMITMENT from schools, students and staff Student division; doesn't feel inclusive Gathering voice to get ideas heard POPULARITY within students Teachers telling students what to say/do Reluctance to share ideas Admin team's involvement Respect – others/opinions Hard to get things going Communication between students, parents and schools Students' wellbeing	Suggestions are making an impact Improvements at school Engagement Voice is heard and Ideas put into action Openly speak up without being judged by peers and staff members Greenery at school Student not being a bystander Everyone feels safe There are opportunities to be heard using different platforms/methods
Sharing genuine thoughts, ideas and opinions in an environment underpinned by trust and respect	SRCs/CRCs Class discussions/debates Student discussions School/class captains Guidance counsellors aren't necessarily helping Classroom environment isn't created on the basis of trust SRCs are voted based on status and not necessarily ability or passion to lead	Intimidating to raise ideas Age/power/division No link between voice and action Lot of stages to be heard Stigma Teachers/students voting for leadership isn't fair Not a lot of action – SRCs/CRCs Hard to put hand up Teachers' opinions No say Discouraged Inaccessible – people not interested lack of trust	Being engaged in general Voice put into action instantly Suggestion boxes: student voices are taken into consideration Student/teacher councils Having a balance between popular/outgoing leaders and those that actually do the work Platform for students to put hand up confidentiality Acknowledge that you are allowed to have an opinion Revamping SRC/CRC Committed SRC program like Festival of Ideas – Teaching noise and voice

Showcase your school:

We want to showcase the great things happening around student voice, agency and participation in BCE schools. Contact us to start a conversation about how we can showcase your school on this site!