As a school, we have come to value the importance of Student Voice.
We feel that it is essential to teach students to think independently and equip them
to change things.

Within Aylsham High School, several groups of students who are interested in having an impact on the school community have undertaken training and conducted researches. Their work has many impacts on students and staff alike and several projects have been awarded first place at national level. Their influence also spreads to our clusters schools.

Some pupils have chosen to focus on pastoral aspects by running anti-bullying schemes. Others have decided to support their peers by teaching them certain learning skills. Others yet have preferred to impact on the whole community by addressing environmental issues. Some students are also working in partnership with staff to help us improve the quality of our teaching. Finally, some youngsters have decided to concentrate on enterprising ideas and developing them within the school community.

All pupils receive training from various agencies depending on their main area of interest. For example, the students interested in finding out more about teaching and learning are trained using the University of the First Age approach.

This is also an opportunity for youngsters to develop their self-confidence and their social skills.

In their own words, some students explain what Student Leadership means to them:

"Helping people and encouraging them to meet their full potential." - Emma

"It means that students lead students! I think that it is when a student has a say in the school for the welfare of all the other students. I also think that it means that students help lead the others by example." - Jemima

"It means helping others in the school and helping teachers to help students." - Josh

Some views of students who feel they have an impact in Aylsham High School are reflected below:

"I feel a lot of time goes into making sure there is a student's point of view within the school. A lot of effort is put into the helping students in becoming motivated to help with ideas in the school." - Pip

"I think I do [help] because if I look around school I can see things that I have helped towards." - Jemima

"I have organised events to benefit everyone." - Domi