At Orion Academy we believe it is essential that students have a voice, and are given the opportunity to express opinions, be heard, and to be taken seriously. We want students to be an integral part of school improvement and help them build rich student experiences of democracy and change.

Our Community Learning Team provides a ‘thinking space’ for our students to meet on a termly basis in order to discuss ideas and opinions, create action plans, and to implement their ideas. Students seeing and being aware of the impact that their actions have on the school is a powerful sight.

The process for membership was democratic and supported by student nominations.  The School Council meet once a term and then have an audience with the Executive Headteacher to share minutes of discussion and outcomes. It will be the responsibility of the School Council member to speak to their year group and / or class, and gather any suggestions or concerns for the school, and table them at the next meeting.

Becoming a member of the Student Council is an aspiration for pupils at Orion Academy: it is indicative of the sense of belonging that we hope each student nurtures. The positive contributions made by the students are recognised and celebrated through: our School Council members are also ambassadors who, for example, support and represent Orion Academy, through actions such as supporting staff appointments and providing tours for visitors.