Our Sixth Formers are extremely proactive in working with lower school students. Through a democratic process, including hustings, Sixth Form students are chosen to sit on the Student Executive. Four members of the Student Executive are appointed to oversee the offices of Charity, Student Liaison, Progress and Welfare. Progress and Welfare in turn oversee the student mentors who act in a pastoral or curriculum capacity helping the younger students in regular sessions.
Aside from the formal leadership opportunities as a Sixth Form we encourage our students to take a lead when it comes to their education and enrichment. We hold regular Question Time events with other schools in the area where students lead a panel and discuss topical issues of the day, taking questions from a wider audience of Sixth Formers. These events are always well attended and reflect the passion and interest that our students have for the outside world and their determination to be a force for change in it.
Additionally, we encourage the notion of Sixth Form students as subject ambassadors which for many of the younger students is an extremely important role. Here our students represent departments of subject which they are passionate about and represent them at such things at Sixth Form Open Evenings, Year 11 inductions and supporting tutor activities for lower school students. We are never short of students to represent their subjects, and the passion with which they do it to parents and carers, younger students and other member of staff show that they really care about their learning have a real appetite to instil this in others. This is another example of how our Sixth Formers want to get involved and represent what they believe to be truly important in their time here.
Students have excellent relationships with staff and also take opportunity to lead and contribute to their school where they are confident of flourishing and achieving excellence.
Roles within student leadership
Student Executive
The Executive will be a democratically elected body composed of six sixth form students. The election process will take place in March of each year. The Executive will provide the highest representation of student voice within DHSG. Members of the Executive will jointly chair meetings of the Student Leadership team, and nominate themselves to chair one of the four sub-committees (Progress /Welfare / Charity and Fundraising/Media and Entertainment). The Executive will be supported in their role through weekly meetings with assistant head of sixth form, Dr Morris and will have access to its own funds which it can use as it and the students see fit for the benefits of all students at the School.
Pastoral Mentors
Pastoral mentors will be sought from yr12 and yr13 students at the start of the September via an application process against set criteria relating to personal qualities required for the role. The role of a pastoral mentor is to support students across the school on a range of pastoral issues, for example providing guidance in the resolution of friendship disputes, managing work load issues or just being a supportive ‘ear'. Students can self-refer to a mentor or be referred by a member of staff and training will be provided by Hayes Training, facilitated by an Assistant Head Teacher. Pastoral Mentors are directed by the Student Executive members responsible for Welfare.
Academic Mentors
Academic mentors for all subject areas will be sought from yr12 and yr13 students at the start of September via an expression of interest to the Head of sixth form. The role of an academic mentor is to provide specific subject related support and guidance in their chosen area to students lower and middle years. Students can self-refer or be referred by a member of staff. Academic Mentors are directed by the Student Executive members responsible for Progress.
Silver Sports Leader Award
All students have the opportunity to apply to complete the Silver Sports Leader Award as part of their options programme at the start of Year12. The course builds on the experience gained through the bronze leadership courses (Sports Leaders and Dance Leaders) Therefore, it is desirable that candidates complete a bronze leadership course before applying for a silver award. However, each application will be considered and previous experience as a leader accepted where relevant. The course delivery time is 30 guided learning hours.
In order to complete the course candidates undertake 8 units that challenge students' leadership skills both within a school setting and a community setting. In order to complete the course students must; pass a basic first aid course, lead/volunteer for a 6 week extra-curricular unit of activity within the school and complete 10 hours of community volunteering/leadership (where possible students are expected to find their own community placements).
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to all students in years 10 -13. The Award consists of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, the aim being that the students would do Bronze in year 10, Silver in year 11 and Gold in years 12 & 13. The Scheme is split into four sections and participants will work their way independently through their Physical, Volunteering and Skill sections. There will be weekly drop in sessions to monitor their progress and to provide help and support. For the expedition section, participants will take part in training sessions held at lunchtime before taking part in their practice and assessed expeditions.
Student Librarians
Application forms are sent out in September to Year 12 classes for volunteers who wish to become student librarians during lunchtimes. Successful applicants will assist the library staff and training is given on how to use the library management system to issue and return books. Additional tasks include display work, advising students, assisting with craft workshops, book sales and various administration jobs.
