Student Leadership

At Erasmus Darwin Academy, we provide students with many different opportunities to develop their skills as future leaders.

In KS3 in Year 7 and 8 and 9, we use students to support Year 6 students with Transition. Our ‘Peer Buddies’ do a great job of making sure that primary visitors and new students feel well supported and happy in the transition process. There are also some opportunities for alumni of local feeder primary school to visit their old school to speak of their experiences at Erasmus Darwin.

In KS4, we appoint Prefects in the Year 10 to serve as positive role models and ambassadors in the Academy community. Prefects will often act as hosts at official functions, be present at Open Evening and support major Academy Events, such as the Annual Production. Our Prefects can be identified by the badges that they wear with pride. These students will continue with this responsibility through into Year 11.

When a student moves into our Sixth Form, the opportunities for leadership become more diverse. Our Head Boy and Head Girl represent the pinnacle of the Student Leadership system; they address the students and staff in assemblies, speak publicly for the Academy in events such as Open Evening, and promote the school generally as part of their role. They are supported by the Senior Student team who occupy bespoke roles such as Charity and Academy Council. In Year 12, our Senior Prefect team provide invaluable service at public-facing events, alongside supporting with duties at social times, providing peer support for the student body.

Alongside these opportunities within specific year groups, there is also an extensive Academy Council structure. From tutor reps through to those who sit on the Council, this is the forum for student voice within the Academy. We also have a Sports Council, consisting of students from a range of years who raise awareness of sport and physical activity within the Academy. Eco-Club develop initiatives to support sustainability within the Academy. Our ‘Anti-Bullying Ambassador’ programme provides our leaders with training to be able support peers and deliver assemblies.

We believe that these opportunities provide students with the framework to look for leadership opportunities beyond the Academy; instilling the confidence needed to speak up for change and to actively contribute in wider forums for the betterment of society.