Bethnal Green Technology College embeds youth leadership into all aspects of the school
In 2005 BGTC was a very different place to how it is now. There were lots of fights, tension, and quickly as Chloe who has just finished her GCSE’s puts it “ after seeing so many fights, we started to become de-sensitised to the violence. The fights that broke out every day became normal. That’s when something had to change” . The school in response to poor results and behaviour was put on Special Measures by Ofsted. Ms Hamer an NQT with a passion for getting the most out of her students recognised that the constant tagging and graffitiing around the school wasn’t simply vandalism, but it was about students wanting to gain ownership of their school. She changed her lessons slowly, encouraging the more lively students to lead groups and shape their own learning experience. This was the beginning of student voice within the school, and a School Council was born. The school council attended governor's meeting, had a say on school issues and over time had a permanent role within the more specific governor special committees. The students were also involved in leading on the schools ECM audit, and were key in campaigning for a special canteen for year 11’s. According to Mahbub , 14, “ it was amazing we actually had power”
Over time the student voice became student leadership – for Ms Hamer this transition was key in embedding youth empowerment into the school ethos. Students began attending NCSL’s and UFA’s leadership course which for many students saw them drastically change. Mahbub felt that before the course, he was shy and not very involved in the school, after becoming part of the student leadership programme he slowly became more confident and took a much more active role in shaping his own learning experience and the wider student body. For Razmin, who was involved in hiring of teaching staff, a real improved relationship began between students and teachers whereby they had equal rights. For Ms Hamer “It gave students the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and challenge teachers and the way they were taught” . This notion of having a say and being involved in all aspects of their school – from changing the school uniform , to shaping their lesson plans and curriculum, helped build a culture of change within the school. It was not just a place the students go, but a place they belong – one that felt more like a family.
Emmanuel in year 10 began his leadership journey in year 7. He thought the way Ms Hamer taught him in year 7 helped to evoke leadership qualities inside him he didn’t know was there. The best thing he has done as part of being a student leader was the UFA training, which made him teach yr 4 students about leadership. This helped him recognise the challenges and excitement of teachers. He gained confidence, and thought that student voice has changed the whole culture of the school. “Something changed inside me. I realised my full potential. I was chatty, mischievous but I realised I needed to channel my behaviour for good”
For Hafiz, he helped out in Science lessons with peer teaching. The teacher would leave it up to them how to deliver the aims of the lesson, and teach your classmates. “It really helped us develop leadership skills, and made us aware of different ways people learn. It also helped us become leaders with our friends”.
For both Emmanuel and Hafiz peer facilitators made lessons more fun and interactive. It made teaching and learning exciting, and it helped them gain responsibility and confidence. For Shahida “it made me feel like I have a future, it’s improved my learning and I can do anything now!”
To find out more about UFA and NSCL training for your school please visit http://www.ufa.org.uk/training-advice-events .
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Comments
Added: Tuesday, 03 November 2009, 15:06
Since this Case Study was written, Student Voice and Leadership at BGTC has been inspected by National Challenge and found to be 'Outstanding'. If any one reading this case study would like further information or support from people involved in Student Voice / Student Leadership at BGTC please do post a comment on this page and we will respond.
We look forward to interacting with your comments.
Added: Tuesday, 03 November 2009, 15:48
This is a really inspiring story and we hope to now look into EFA and NCSL training. Many thanks!