STRONG GOVERNANCE
CREATES BETTER SCHOOLS
Partnership Board
The trust board, led by a Chair, is the decision-making body of the academy trust and is accountable and responsible for all the academies in the Partnership.
Parent & Community Forum
The Parent and Community Forum provides a platform for parents to share their views, contribute to decision-making processes, and help shape the future of our school community.
School Council
Our School Council is a group of pupils elected by their fellow pupils and teachers to represent their opinions and raise issues with the Head teacher.

Intent Statement

Student Leadership & Student Voice

At The Orchards Primary Academy, we are committed to fostering student leadership as a core component of our educational philosophy. By promoting opportunities for students to take on leadership roles through our Student Council, Play Leadership initiatives, Learning Ambassadors and Student Mentorship Programme, we aim to empower our students to embody our Character Attribute: “We Make a Difference.” We believe that through these experiences, students will develop essential skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility that will enable them to positively impact their school community and beyond.

Pupil Voice 

“We can make suggestions and ideas on how to improve the school and we love having a voice in what we’d like to see happen! I helped to choose the new library.”

Pupil in Year 4

“Play leaders help us to get on well with our friends- they show us how to take turns and share.”

Pupil in Year 2

“We went and viewed the local brook: it was full of litter and people’s old belongings. We wrote to our local MP to ask for change. We linked this to our attribute that ‘we make a difference’.”

Pupil in Year 6

Talking about the student mentorship programme, a pupil in Reception said:
“I like it when older kids help us with our learning. I like it better when it’s them. They are kind and they show us things.”
“I am a learning ambassador- I get to tell visitors all about what we’re learning. My headteacher chose me because I struggle sometimes to talk and get my words out and she said that this opportunity is a good chance to practice and become confident in speaking. I like my job, no body judges me and I like talking to people more now.”
Year 4 pupil, Learning AmbassadorImplementation Statement

1. Student Council

Our Student Council is designed to provide students with a formal platform to voice their ideas, concerns, and suggestions, thus actively participating in the decision-making process of the school. The council members, elected by their peers, will:

– Lead school-wide initiatives and events.
– Organise community service projects.
– Serve as role models and advocates for their fellow students.
– Share ideas back with Student Leadership Lead to move school forward

By engaging in these activities, Student Council members learn democratic principles, project management, and effective communication, reinforcing the idea that they can make a tangible difference in their community.

2. Play Leadership

The Play Leadership initiative encourages students to take an active role in organising and facilitating playground activities during breaks. Play Leaders are trained to:

– Promote inclusive play by ensuring all students are engaged and involved.
– Resolve conflicts amicably and promote positive social interactions.
– Lead games and activities that foster teamwork and creativity.
– Ensure fairness for all.

This program not only enhances the playground experience for all students but also allows Play Leaders to develop leadership, conflict resolution, and organisational skills, demonstrating how they can positively influence their environment.

3. Student Mentorship Programme

The Student Mentorship Programme pairs older students with younger peers to provide guidance, support, and friendship. Mentors are responsible for:

– Helping new or younger students acclimate to school life.
– Offering academic support and encouragement.
– Leading by example in demonstrating school values and positive behaviour.
Through this mentorship, both mentors and mentees experience personal growth, improved self-esteem, and a strengthened sense of community, illustrating the profound impact they can have on one another’s lives.
Character Attribute: “We Make a Difference”
Underpinning all these initiatives is our Character Attribute: “We Make a Difference.” This principle is embedded in every leadership opportunity we provide, encouraging students to:
– Recognise their potential to effect change.
– Take responsibility for their actions and their community.
– Strive for excellence in making meaningful contributions to their school and beyond.

By promoting student leadership through the Student Council, Play Leadership, and Student Mentorship Programme, we ensure that our students not only develop essential life skills but also understand and embrace their ability to make a difference in the world around them.

Get Involved

Join US At Greenheart Learning Partnership our communities are at the heart of everything we do. We would welcome you to get in touch if you are interested in joining the Trust Board or the academy GLAC. Your valuable input will have a lasting impact on all of the pupils in our Partnership