STUDENTS have won high praise for their transformative work in leadership across their school and community.
The Schools, Students and Teachers Network, which has been at the forefront of national improvement since 1987, has awarded Haughton Academy, Darlington, Platinum status for its work in developing pupils’ mindset and culture.
One of the new, innovative initiatives has seen scores of students signing up to become Year 10 Heroes in a mentoring scheme designed to give children the best possible environment in which to learn.
This project began when newly appointed principal Jane Darbyshire invited the educational consultancy and social enterprise organisation Humanutopia to work with students at The Education Village.
Workshops saw pupils exploring how every interaction that takes place has a significant impact on their community and environment and affects wellbeing and confidence.
As a result, a third of the year group signed up to be a Year 10 Hero, acting as role models and undergoing days of training aimed at helping them discover the skills they will need to make a difference.
In a surprise move, 111 Year 5 pupils from feeder primary schools arrived at Haughton Academy for a training session to give the Heroes an insight into leadership roles. Over the next year, the Heroes will mentor all Year 8 students to encourage them to fulfil the school’s motto: Be here, be on time and be the best you can be.
Following a rigorous review, the SSAT impact report said: “Overall, student leadership at Haughton Academy has tremendous impact for their peers and more widely for a vast range of people in the community and beyond.
“There is strong evidence that children from all backgrounds regularly access these opportunities and benefit hugely in all areas of their lives.”
SSAT officials also highlighted the strong sports leadership, with 134 volunteers now working with partner primary schools.
Year 10 student Liv Whitehead said: “Humanutopia was really eye-opening and when we were asked to stand if we had ever said anything that could be taken the wrong way, we nearly all stood up. Many agreed to put their names down to change and they have changed.
“I, like many others, was shy at first but the more we spoke, the more we wanted to say to get our point of view across about how words could affect us. It also put us among groups of people we hadn’t talked to before. I was with a girl I hadn’t spoken to in three years and she was really nice.”
Year 10 student Lexi Bowerbank said: “Every time someone says something thoughtless, it’s like filling a bin and eventually you will explode. Things that are said in banter actually can be taken the wrong way.”
Older students were surprised with how much the younger pupils knew, noticed and understood.
Liv said: It has been really inspiring. This is the best thing that the school has ever organised; it made me think about how I was when I was younger.”
Lexi added: “I would have loved to have had someone to talk to and learn from when I was in Year 8 and it feels really good knowing I am in a position to help.”
Another layer of support comes in the form of Form Captains and Prefects who help students and their teachers with all aspects of school life.
Year 8 pupil Olivia Rispin said: “It is nice when you see your ideas listened to, recognised and come through. It makes you feel proud. It helps with mental health and shows you are a good person.”
Mrs Darbyshire said: “We are incredibly proud to gain the student leadership Platinum award for which all staff and students have worked exceptionally hard, especially Assistant Headteacher Fiona Campbell. Humanutopia enhanced this and inspired students to look beyond what they thought was possible – there are no limits.
“The initiative also allowed students to understand what it means to be part of Haughton Academy and our wider community. When children are here, they are more likely to do well and feel happy, to participate in curriculum enrichment and stay in education longer. It has been a life-changing moment for them.”