Pupil Voice Insights from d'Overbroeck’s Smart School Councils Journey

Intro to the School

d'Overbroecks, an independent school with incredibly eloquent pupils in Oxford, embarked on its Smart School Councils (SSC) journey four years ago, initially launching pre-COVID.

Led by a brilliant and dedicated Mathematics teacher, Beth Peace, who attended an in-person CPD Masterclass in 2019, the school has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the programme despite facing challenges and uncertainties along the way.

In January 2023, during a visit to the school, our Co-Founder, Greg, had the opportunity to meet Beth who shared valuable insights and strategies contributing to the success of Smart School Councils at d'Overbroeck’s.

Tip # 1: Craft an Effective Communication Team Selection Process

Over the course of four years, d'Overbroecks explored various approaches to selecting their Comms Team, ranging from written applications to video interviews, with interviews proving most effective for candidates to openly express suitability; emphasising continuous improvement, Beth underscores the significance of annually reminding students of their roles via video presentations to maintain clarity and transparency in selection, while prioritising retention, allowing Comms Team members to extend their roles into the subsequent year facilitates skill development and team continuity.

Tip # 2: Reimagining Action Teams 

Acknowledging past challenges, d'Overbroecks underwent major changes to their approach to Action Teams, shifting from dependence on staff sponsors to a model where Action Team leaders assume direct responsibility for leading initiatives. Embracing concise and focused interactions,  The school forms Action Teams that operate for a set period, like a single term. This boosts efficiency and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed by both students AND staff.

Tip # 3: Enhance your Class Meeting Experience

Enhancing the class meeting experience, d'Overbroecks dedicates effort to formulating thoughtful questions and improving regular conversations into meaningful dialogues that foster inclusivity and participation from both students and teachers.  Also, they use visual tools to share meeting results, keeping everyone informed and involved.

Closing Thoughts

d'Overbroecks' journey with Smart School Councils exemplifies a steadfast dedication to student participation and leadership, even amidst challenges. Beth Peace's leadership and the school's commitment to continuous improvement have led to innovative approaches in team selection, action planning, and class meeting facilitation. By prioritising clarity, inclusivity, and engagement, d'Overbroecks has built a strong foundation for fostering student voice and ownership within their school community, setting a commendable example for others embarking on similar journeys.

As d'Overbroecks continues to evolve its Smart School Councils programme, the journey is a testament to the transformative power of pupil voice and active participation in shaping school culture and decision-making processes.