Working alongside our pupils and responding to their individual interests and motivations is central to teaching and learning at Peterhouse. For example, lessons can be adapted to respond to a particular interest, and accredited learning will be geared towards helping students achieve their individual ambitions. In this way, pupil voice forms a key element of our day-to-day practice. But there are many other ways in which pupils have a say:
Tutorials
Pupils are offered 1 to 1 tutorial sessions, which are pupil-led and give the opportunity to discuss any topics that the young person may be interested in or concerned about. You can find out more about tutorials here:
Annual Reviews
Every pupil is encouraged to contribute to the annual review of their EHCP. This could take the form of e.g. a written contribution using words or symbols, a video they have produced and/or attendance at the review meeting. Staff support each pupil to contribute in a way that is meaningful to them and takes their preferences into account.
Student Council
Peterhouse has a Student Council, which includes representatives from different classes and discusses any school developments they may want to see, concerns they have etc. The student council has e.g. introduced the school’s annual Fun Day, and gathered feedback and comments that have helped in the development of this website!
Class Meetings
Classes have regular meetings, where pupils have the opportunity to discuss concerns they may have and give feedback on lessons.
School Events
Pupils are involved in planning and contributing to many school events, from end-of-term trips to our biannual concerts. Concerts feature backdrops designed by pupils, videos produced by them, live performances of songs they have chosen, and many other contributions.
Recruitment
Pupils feed into the recruitment process in a number of ways, such as contributing to interview questions, taking candidates on guided tours, participating in practical tasks for applicants or asking interviews questions themselves.
Staff training
Our practice is continually developing, and we learn as much from our pupils as they learn from us! Staff training sessions draw on pupils’ views and experiences, to ensure that our practice responds to the needs of pupils as effectively as possible.
Open Door policy
Peterhouse has an ‘open door’ policy, and the Senior Leadership Team will always make time to listen to a pupil who may wish to raise a concern or make a suggestion!
‘Pupil Voice’ can take many forms and Peterhouse staff, supported by our Speech & Language Therapists, ensure that the views of all pupils are taken into account, including pupils who are non-verbal, selectively mute, or who use other forms of communication such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or Assistive Technology devices.
