Student Leadership
Students leading change
Student leadership at Silverdale gives students the agency to influence their school, take responsibility and make change happen.
Through leadership, students develop the ambition to act, the integrity to represent others and a stronger sense of belonging to their school community.
Our aims
AMBITION
Students set purposeful goals and develop the confidence to turn their ideas into action.
BELONGING
Students have a genuine stake in their school and help others feel represented, included and valued.
INTEGRITY
Students listen to different views, represent their peers responsibly and follow through on their commitments.
Our students develop agency by learning to make decisions, organise projects, solve problems and evaluate their impact. Leadership is not simply a title. It is their responsibility to make a positive difference.
Student Leadership Committees
Students in Years 7 to 10 can apply to join one of six Student Leadership Committees. Each committee has a clear purpose, the support of a senior member of staff and the agency to act within its area of responsibility.
Committees listen to other students, choose achievable priorities and turn ideas into practical action. At the end of the year, they report back to the school on what they have accomplished.
| Commitee | Purpose and agency |
|---|---|
|
Charity Committee |
Selects, plans and delivers fundraising that unites the school and supports local, national and international causes. Students help to choose charities, manage the calendar and lead events such as non-uniform days. |
|
Environment Committee |
Helps to improve Silverdale’s buildings, classrooms, outdoor areas and shared spaces. Students gather feedback, conduct site walks with staff and propose practical improvements. |
|
Diversity Committee |
Works to ensure that every student feels represented, safe and valued. Students help to organise Diversity Day, create resources and gather student views about inclusion. |
|
Communications Committee |
Uses students’ creativity and digital-media skills to celebrate achievement and share school news. Through Silverdale TV, students identify stories, conduct interviews and produce student-led content. |
|
Wellbeing Committee |
Gives students agency in shaping the school’s approach to wellbeing. Students gather their peers’ views, promote sources of support and advise staff on how school life affects students. The committee strengthens student voice but does not replace pastoral and safeguarding systems. |
|
Learning Committee |
Gives students a constructive voice in teaching, learning and the curriculum. Students gather feedback, contribute to new initiatives, help evaluate change and take part in appropriate staff interview panels. |
Becoming a Student Leader
Students can apply to their chosen committee through:
- a short written application;
- a 60-second recording; or
- a poster explaining the contribution they want to make.
Students do not need previous leadership experience. Successful applicants are selected to create committees that represent the range of students and experiences at Silverdale.
Before beginning their work, committee members receive training in representing others, contributing to discussion, planning action and working as a team.
Leadership through the school
Leadership develops progressively from participation and personal responsibility to representation, mentoring and leading others.
Years 7 to 9: Participating and representing
Students express their views, make choices and contribute to the school community. They can join committees, take part in consultation, represent others and help to deliver school projects. Students learn that agency begins with participation: recognising that their choices and actions affect other people.
Year 8: Taking responsibility
Every Year 8 student has the opportunity to act as a student receptionist. Students welcome visitors and develop their communication, organisation and professionalism while taking meaningful responsibility within the daily life of the school.
Year 9: Leading independently
Year 9 students make important choices about their Key Stage 4 education and take greater responsibility within committees, clubs and events. Every student is also invited to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, choosing a skill, physical activity and volunteering placement before completing an expedition. The programme develops independence, resilience and the agency to pursue personal goals.
Years 10 and 11: Representing and mentoring
Students can lead committee projects, act as subject ambassadors, support clubs and contribute to staff interview panels. Year 10 students can become form mentors for Year 7, helping younger students settle into secondary school and acting as positive role models.
Years 12 and 13: Leading and leaving a legacy
Sixth Form students can join the Head Team, represent their peers, organise activities, mentor younger students and act as ambassadors for Silverdale. Year 12 students can also complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, taking ownership of sustained commitments in volunteering, physical activity, skills, an expedition and a residential. These opportunities give students the agency to shape their community and leave a positive legacy.
Silverdale TV
Silverdale TV is a student-led platform for sharing news, celebrating success and strengthening student voice. Members of the Communications Committee plan each edition, present news, interview students and staff, and film and edit content. Students from across the school can submit ideas and stories.
Silverdale TV gives students real responsibility for how school life is represented and develops skills in communication, journalism, teamwork and digital production.
Why become a student leader?
- exercise real agency within their school;
- make decisions and see their ideas become action;
- represent the experiences of others;
- develop confidence and communication;
- organise and deliver projects;
- work collaboratively with students and staff; and
- make a lasting contribution to their community.
Not every student will hold a formal position, but every student should have opportunities to express their views, exercise agency and help make Silverdale better.
