Students at an Oxford secondary school will have their voices heard and play a role in decision making through a new initiative.
Oxford Spires Academy is introducing student representatives onto each of its school Community Councils.
The Oxford Spires Academy is one of 16 schools under the Anthem Schools Trust, each of which is hosting a student on their local governing body, known as Anthem Community Councils.
The student representatives, dubbed Timi champions, were selected by their peers and the role was named in honour of the year 10 student from St Mark’s Academy in Mitcham who proposed the idea.
The student presented his idea to Anthem’s CEO, Mohsen Ojja, during his visit to the school.
Mohsen Ojja said: "I was so taken by Timi’s direct, open and honest approach and how he was able to clearly articulate the need for Anthem to consider his and other students’ voices - it was a catalyst for change.
"As a direct result of that conversation, the senior team and the Board of Trustees took the decision to appoint students to all of our 16 Anthem Community Councils.
"It is essential that our students’ voices are captured, listened to, and considered as an integral part of the framework of how we work.
"Student voices must be enabled to have genuine impact across all our schools and this is embedded into our ethos."
Robyn in year seven, Sarah, Pippa, Taiwo, Rahil and Nathan in year eight, Hira, Star and Hafsa in year nine, and Fahad in year 10 put themselves forward for the role.
Headteacher Louise Cowley said: "We are incredibly proud of our Timi champions speaking out and contributing to our new strategy, laying the foundation for positive change.
"Their voices, along with those of other students, will undoubtedly shape the future of our school."
Anthem's director of governance, Claire Pannell, added: "The local layer of governance in our schools plays a vital role in acting as a conduit for everyone in the trust to listen, hear, and act on the voices of our wider community.
"The role of the Timi champion is central to this approach."
The Timi champions will be guided by a Timi supporter, a nominated teacher from their school, to help them navigate their roles.
The Anthem Community Council meetings are held termly and the newly appointed Timi champions will be taking up their posts this spring term with Council meetings booked in for after the February half term break.
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