Alongside day to day projects Councillors have embarked on other
larger aims, including plans to create a Multi-Use Games Area and
the reformation of Arden’s ‘House’ system. The Council went through
a long process of assessing the house system; asking for the
opinions of pupils, taking into account views about the House
names, House activities, and student involvement in running them.
The Student Council has also worked closely with the Head of
Leadership in creating the ‘Leadership Ladder’ and the ‘Leadership
Team’ which encourages pupils to get involved.
The Student Council has proved to be a great asset to the school
forming a conduit between the pupils and the staff. It has also liaised
with local Councillors to improve facilities in the wider community.
The Leadership Team
The recently formed Leadership Team comprises pupils who are
working to make the school an even more integral part of the
community. It also enables Arden students to stand out from the
crowd, becoming leaders and not followers, and creating a lasting
legacy of leadership at Arden.
Senior Pupils
Each year, sixteen Year 10 pupils are nominated by both staff and
students as potential ‘Senior Pupils’. These initial sixteen are quickly
whittled down to eight through a gruelling interview process run
by the Principal, Head of Year, Head of Upper School and two of
the previous Senior Pupils. Out of the successful eight, a Head Girl
and Head Boy are selected. They become the leaders of the Senior
Pupil team and Arden’s figurehead pupils.
Senior Pupils play a key role in the important events at Arden from
Open Evenings to Induction Days where they support the New
Year 7 pupils as they enter the school.
Alongside the shiny badge and fancy tie come some important
responsibilities and hours of volunteer work - both in and out of
school, but it is a great honour and every Senior Pupil finds the
post personally rewarding and a great deal of fun.
Prefects
Attaining ‘Prefect’ status is an achievement and a privilege. Those
selected for the role have to bring ideas to the table and be willing
to work hard. Arden Prefects are Sixth Form members who, as the
most senior pupils in the school, act as role models for the entire
Academy.
Whilst most will have spent their entire secondary schooling career
at Arden, ensuring they are deeply immersed in Arden’s special
ethos, some have joined at the Sixth Form stage. They bring with
them fresh enthusiasm and ideas on how the school could further
improve and develop. Prefects have a wide range of duties, from
helping in the local community to publishing their own magazine
which is distributed to the whole school.
Though being a Prefect involves giving up free time it is extremely
rewarding, providing opportunities to talk to younger pupils in
assemblies and assisting in many different ways. Their visible
presence plays a valuable role in reinforcing the strong links
between the main school and the Sixth Form.
Assistant Year Leaders
Two Assistant Year Leaders work alongside each of the Year Heads
in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Assistant Year Leaders mentor pupils who
may be struggling academically or emotionally, lead assemblies,
and help with practical skills and discipline when needed. They are
also there to give pupils advice based on personal experience, often
being seen as a more approachable option for sorting out an issue.
Students in this responsible role are equipped for the task through
a series of leadership and mentoring workshops. Assistant Year
Leaders grow rapidly in confidence and their ability to communicate
enables them to work cohesively with both teachers and pupils,
developing qualities that they carry with them into adult life.
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