Future Leaders Programme

We believe in students having responsibility for their school and provide opportunities for student leadership through our ‘Future Leaders’ programme.

There are many ways students can be involved in the school. Some examples are:

• Head Boy / Girl (and their deputies) are chosen from Year 12 students every October. The Head Boy and Girl are the students’ ambassadors, representing the school at many functions and events as well as being role models to the younger students;
• Prefects – chosen from Year 11 students, prefects fulfil very important duties around school. The aims of the prefect programme are as follows:
• For Year 11 students to act as role models for younger students both in tutor groups and around the school;
• For Year 11 students to have a high profile role in organising and running school events in conjunction with Head Boy/Head Girl and their Deputies as part of the Student Executive Group;
• To be involved in interview panels for various teaching and support staff appointments;
• To assist with the maintaining of a calm and orderly atmosphere at breaks and lunchtimes under the supervision of duty staff.
• Student Senior Leadership Team – each member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team is shadowed by a group of students who undertake roles and projects. To be appointed to positions on the Student SLT, students have to formally apply and undergo an interview. One of the most exciting parts of being on the Student SLT is the ‘Run the school for a day’ project through which the team undertake research to develop an area of interest in the school;
• Student Council – the Council works for the improvement of the whole school through regular meetings of year representatives, chaired by senior students;
• Sports Captains – are sports ambassadors. They attend PE focus group meetings helping to improve the curriculum and physical activity options available for students. Sports Captains play a key role in selecting sports teams for inter-house competitions such as Sports Day.
• Academy Ambassadors – are chosen by the Transition Co-ordinator on account of their effort and behaviour during the Autumn and Spring Terms of Year 7. They represent all our local primary schools and their role is to help with the transition process. Deben Ambassadors wear special badges and are encouraged to lead by example at all times;
• Student Focus Groups – there are around 18 focus groups that students can be involved in which allow students from all different year groups and needs to have their say on school issues. These meet once per half term with a member of the SLT.

Student voice is at the heart of developments in the school. We value the input students can make to their community. The opportunities are there and we encourage students to get involved.