Pupil Voice

Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.

Article 12, The The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Pupil voice refers to ways in which the thoughts, wishes and opinions of learners are invited, engaged with and acted upon.

Forestdale children are given the opportunity to put their views forward, to take responsibility for representing other members of the school community and contribute to important projects and decisions, which can help develop their confidence, as well as their speaking and listening skills.

Here are some of the ways our pupils can influence the way in which the school operates:

Everyone’s a Leader

At Forestdale, we believe every child can be a leader. Through a range of pupil-led roles, all children take responsibility, share their ideas and make a positive difference as part of a team.

Anti Bullying Ambassadors

ABAs are trained, passionate young people who will stand up to bullying behaviour and believe they can change things for the better.

Explorer Ambassadors

The Junior Travel Ambassador (JTA) engage with their peers to promote safer, active and independent travel within the school community in a fun and engaging way.

Sports Leaders

Sports Leaders promote active and healthy lifestyles. They organise games, support events and encourage all pupils to take part in physical activity.

Eco Warriors

Our Eco Warriors help to care for our school environment: they help others to follow our eco-code, monitor our energy use in the school, and encourage recycling.

Reading Champions

Reading Champions promote a love of reading across the school. They support the library, recommend books to their peers and help lead reading activities and initiatives.

Spirit of Forestdale Team

This team supports the wider school community by organising initiatives such as foodbank collections and second-hand uniform sales, helping families and promoting kindness and generosity.

School Council

Elected candidates act as representatives of their classmates in discussing school issues with the headteacher and staff.

Reporters/Oracy

School Reporters contribute to newsletters and other communications, sharing school news, celebrating achievements and capturing key events from a pupil perspective.

Digital Leaders

Digital Leaders support the use of technology across the school. They help with equipment, promote online safety and contribute ideas to improve digital learning.

Prefects

Prefects are role models who promote high standards of behaviour. They support staff, encourage positive choices and help suggest ways to improve the school environment.

Site Group

The Site Group takes pride in improving the school environment by maintaining and developing areas that need care and attention.

Marketing Team

The Marketing Team helps promote the school by sharing positive messages, supporting events and contributing ideas to showcase school life to the wider community.

Wilderness Leaders

Wilderness Leaders develop and maintain outdoor learning areas. They help plan and lead activities that encourage exploration and engagement with nature.

Singing Leaders

Singing Leaders promote a love of music across the school. They support singing assemblies, lead by example and encourage participation in musical activities.

Gardening Group

The Gardening Group cares for the school’s planting areas. They grow plants, maintain garden spaces and promote an understanding of nature and sustainability.

Fundraising Team

The Fundraising Team organises events and initiatives to raise money for charities and school projects, developing teamwork and a sense of social responsibility.

Science Ambassadors

Science Ambassadors promote curiosity and a love of science. They help organise activities, support events and encourage pupils to explore scientific ideas.

Dining Hall Champions

Dining Hall Champions support positive behaviour during lunchtimes. They encourage good manners, help create a calm environment and ensure everyone has a positive dining experience.

Robin Reporters

Our Robin Reporters are a team of fantastic and creative pupil writers who produce a termly newspaper, sharing current affairs and news from across the school community. As part of our Everyone a Leader initiative, the newspaper is created by pupils, for pupils and parents, celebrating the voices, ideas and achievements of our school.

newspaper.pdf

Clubs

The choice of clubs we offer are based on pupil voice with pupils being surveyed on a variety of options.

Worry Boxes

Positioned around the school are containers into which children can post their anxious thoughts which are checked regularly and resolved.

Pupil Surveys

School council create age- appropriate pupil surveys/surgeries regarding the school and wellbeing, so they can can identify and address areas of concern.

Curriculum Pupil Voice

Curriculum leaders regularly meet with pupils to gather their views on learning, including what they enjoy and what could be improved.