Students at Ark Victoria Academy are given a wider range of leadership opportunities. The Academy puts significant value in our student voice and students are able to actions change and improvements through these student leadership opportunities. Student leadership provide helps develop our students sense of belonging, as well core skills in communication, leadership, persuasion, and empathy.
Below is a guide to the opportunities we offer to our students:
Student Council
The student council curriculum will look at topic and competency-based leadership. The overarching curriculum will use schools improvement plan to guide the discussion points and mirror the work of the senior leadership team. Competencies of leadership teach our leaders how to hold discussions, how to persuade and reassure others and how to lead change. Overall, they are a vital cog in our student voice through house representatives provide a voice for all in the school.
Mental Health Ambassadors
Students will be introduced to the role of a student Ambassador and what that entails and will apply to represent their year group. Students will formally apply, using and application proforma and will also be expected to write a speech as to why they would be suitable as their year group Ambassador. The pivotal role of a MH Ambassador will be to educate, remove stigma, promote good mental health and educate our community. In secondary older students will mentor younger students and build competencies in leading and managing projects.
Head Boy and Head Girl
These are students who have selected to represent the school. They are chosen from the Prefect group and are expected to demonstrate the core values and principles of the school. They are seen as role models for others and play a key role in representing their peers in key decisions and events across the year.
Prefects
Prefects will have various responsibilities, which involve them in assisting in the smooth running of the school. The main duty on a prefect is to maintain an atmosphere of friendly cooperation, peace, disciplined and unity in school.
Citizens UK
Students apply to be part of our Citizens UK leadership programme. The aim of the programme is to: 1. Get a clearer understanding of what community organising is and what it can look like in a school/college 2. Develop a clear understanding of how a cycle of action can be developed with a school/college 3. Get a clearer understanding of how a school/college can play an active role in its local citizens alliance
Class based leadership
Students will be an ambassador for the subject; someone who has a passion and interest in the subject. They will support with key events in that subject or year group, as well as support the development and growth of the subject.
Anti-Bullying Leaders
The Anti Bullying Programme – Diana Award empowers young people to achieve their full potential, engage young people in social action to make a difference in the lives of others through the anti-bullying programme
Playground Leaders
Playleaders encourages children to develop as individuals – the role promotes children wellbeing, social skills and teamwork. To manage playground games and organising the equipment and to encourage other children to join in on the games and to extend their friendships and to improve behaviour on the playground
Envision
Provides student with the opportunity to plan and design a campaign to support an important issue in their local community. Working in partnership with schools and colleges, Envision unites young people with trained Envision staff and mentors to tackle social issues affecting their community.
Be Her Lead
Be Her Lead provide a voice for our female students. As part of our commitments to inclusion and anti-racism, we consciously thread discussions of race, inclusion and equity issues into every aspect of the programme, and encourage Be Her Lead groups work on activism and campaigning projects.
Wellbeing Ambassadors
As Wellbeing Ambassadors you are committed to creating and maintaining an enviroment where all the school family feel happy, supported and safe. To be kind, caring and helpful towards others and promote positivity.