Every student has a voice
At Walton Academy, we believe that students should have opportunities to lead, represent and contribute to the life of our academy and wider community.
Student leadership is an important part of our personal development and character education programme. It enables students to develop confidence, communication, organisation, initiative and responsibility while making a positive contribution to the experiences of others.
We offer a wide range of leadership opportunities across the academy, from formal leadership positions to short-term projects, ambassador roles and opportunities to represent students’ views.
Our student leadership programme is built around three strands.
Lead
Leadership opportunities enable students to take responsibility, develop confidence and support others.
Students can take on formal leadership positions within the academy, including:
- senior student leaders
- house leaders and deputy house leaders
- post 16 leadership roles
- project and event leadership opportunities, and
- leadership roles within enrichment and wider academy activities.
Students in leadership positions are expected to model our academy values, communicate effectively, take responsibility and help create a positive experience for others.
Leadership is not simply about having a title. We want students to develop the skills and confidence to take initiative, solve problems and make a positive difference.
Represent
We want students to have a genuine voice in academy life.
Students have opportunities to represent their peers, houses, faculties and wider academy community through roles such as:
- house representatives
- subject ambassadors
- library ambassadors
- student voice opportunities
- post 16 representatives, and
- other ambassador and representative roles.
Representatives are encouraged to listen to the views and experiences of other students and communicate these appropriately to staff and academy leaders.
Through representation, students develop an understanding of democracy, responsibility and respectful communication. They learn that having a voice also means listening to others and considering different perspectives.
Contribute
Leadership at Walton is also about making a positive contribution.
Students can get involved in projects and activities that support the academy, their peers and the wider community.
Opportunities may include:
- supporting academy events and activities
- community and charity projects
- peer support and mentoring
- supporting enrichment activities
- environmental and sustainability projects
- volunteering
- supporting younger students, and
- short-term student-led projects.
These opportunities allow students to use their skills in practical situations and see the difference that their contribution can make.
Leadership opportunities across the academy
Student leadership is not limited to one year group or one type of student.
We aim to provide opportunities for students to become involved at different stages of their time at Walton, with responsibilities and expectations developing as students become older and more experienced.
Developing leadership skills
Student leadership connects closely with our wider character education and personal development programme.
Through leadership experiences, students have opportunities to develop skills including:
- leadership – taking responsibility and supporting others
- organisation – planning and managing commitments
- resilience – responding positively to challenge
- initiative – identifying opportunities and taking action, and
- communication – listening, speaking and working effectively with others.
These skills support students not only within academy life but also in their future education, employment and wider lives.
How can I get involved
Leadership opportunities are communicated to students throughout the academic year.
Some roles involve an application or selection process, while others are offered through individual projects, volunteering opportunities or student voice activities.
Students should look out for opportunities shared through their tutors, heads of year, heads of house, faculties, personal development and post 16 teams.
There is no single type of student leader at Walton. We want students with different strengths, interests and experiences to have the opportunity to lead, represent and contribute.
Be part of it! Lead. Represent. Contribute.
