Learners’ Voice in Newbridge College
In 2017 the Learners’ Voice team was established in Newbridge College. The intention was to form a student team who help inform, support and direct whole school decision-making in relation to teaching and learning. We aim to consult students and include them as active participants in critical analysis and reform in our school. We aim to give students agency in their own learning and educational context.
Lundy Model of Participation
Our Learners’ Voice team model of participation is based on the Lundy Model (2007) whereby:
- A safe and inclusive space is provided for students to express their views;
- Appropriate information is provided to facilitate the expression of their voices;
- Audience – their views are communicated to those with responsibility to listen and
- Influence – students views are taken seriously and are acted on. If we cannot act on them then feedback is given to students as to why this is the case.
Our Learners’ Voice team have focused on the following over the years:
- Co-Designing a Junior Cycle Wellbeing Curriculum in Newbridge College, resulting in proposed modules being incorporated into our Junior Cycle curriculum.
- Developing Target Setting Cards for students, enabling and supporting students develop to their full potential in our school.
- The Learners’ Voice team worked on a Rewards System whereby positive points are awarded to students for positive behaviours on VSware. Certificates of Achievement are awarded to students and Achievement Assemblies take place throughout the year to acknowledge and celebrate student achievements.
- Students helped develop our ‘Formative Assessment’ (Learning Intentions and Success Criteria) approach in our school to enhance the teaching and learning in classrooms.
- The Learners’ Voice team established and developed our Student Digital Team to generate and develop ideas for enhancing digital technology in teaching and learning and support the introduction of devices into our school.
- They also established the new POBcast an abbreviation for ‘Podcaston the Bridge’ promoting community links in our school. This is led by students and for students, as well as the wider school community.
- Multiple other projects include developing an Extra Curricular Timetable and advocating for additional clubs e.g. Science Clubs, reviewing policies within our school, promoting wellbeing, etc. have also taken place.
Benefits
The benefits for students include enhanced confidence and leadership skills, a sense of connectedness, development of leadership skills, better relationships with staff and improved performance in school.
Teachers have noted improved relationships with students and an increase in student motivation, commitment, performance, and confidence.
The contribution of our Learners’ Voice team has resulted in authentic change in our school in teaching and learning. Decisions are tailored to suit the needs of our students and we are collaborating in a way we never had before. Relationships are central to this process. Learners’ Voice has impacted powerful and transformative change in our school.
2030 OECD Future of Education and Skills
Our students represented Newbridge College on a global platform in Israel, May 2022.
Panellists with the OECD Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher
Our Learners’ Voice team have also worked with several national organisations.