STUDENTS from all over the country converged on Somervale School in Midsomer Norton for a national conference on Tuesday 16 October. The National Education Trust conference – ‘Turning up the volume on student voice’ -welcomed teachers and students from over 20 schools for a day of sharing good practice and taking part in workshops. Somervale School leads the way in ‘student voice’, becoming the first secondary school in the country to be awarded the Children’s Society and Young People’s Rights Charter. Members of the Somervale School Council are consulted over the appointments of new members of staff; observe lessons – providing feedback to volunteer teachers - and decide on, and running, charity events.
This is their second student council conference. Back in July they provided the venue for the school councils from nearby primary schools who met to discuss issues of common interest.
The NET conference featured two main speakers: Susan Piers Mantell of Learning to Lead and Jim Davies of the Children’s Society. Delegates shared good ideas about listening to students and involving them in the life of the school.
Headteacher Michael Gorman commented: “Somervale has become a role model of what can be achieved by students and staff working together. All of this work helps our students to develop as confident and mature adults. I am delighted that we can take this forward and help other schools by sharing our experiences and by hosting this national conference.
