Student Voice (inc. MEDR Leaner Engagement Code)
The Bishop of Llandaff CiW High School is committed to ensuring that students are active partners in shaping their educational experience. In line with the Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, ‘Learner Engagement Code’, the school provides meaningful opportunities for students to participate in decision making, influence strategic priorities, contribute to school improvement and shape the wider life of the school community.
This document outlines how the school meets the requirements of the Student Engagement Code and provides evidence of practice that can be reviewed annually as part of our self-evaluation and quality assurance processes. The school's approach is underpinned by its Christian vision, commitment to student leadership and belief that every student voice matters.
This statement should be read alongside
- School Development Plan (SDP);
- School Vision and Values;
- Student Leadership Framework;
- Student Congress Constitution; and
- Equal Opportunity Policy.
The school recognises its responsibilities under the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022, the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 and the School Councils (Wales) Regulations 2005.
Principle 1: Embedded
Requirement: Students have opportunities to engage in decision-making throughout their educational journey and contribute to decisions that impact current and future students.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school embeds student voice throughout its leadership, governance and improvement structures.
Examples include
- Student Congress meetings throughout the academic year;
- Representation on school improvement working groups;
- Regular student surveys and consultations;
- Sixth Form leadership meetings with school leaders;
- Student participation in curriculum and teaching evaluations;
- Student involvement in the development of the school's strategic vision and priorities;
- Student consultation regarding behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives; and
- Student representation during the recruitment of all staffing appointments, external reviews and inspections.
Evidence
- Minutes from Student Congress;
- Student survey reports;
- School development consultations;
- Governor reports; and
- Sixth form leadership meeting action points.
Impact Measures
- Number of students involved in formal leadership roles;
- Changes implemented following student feedback. For example, the relocation of the Learning Resources Centre; and
- Student satisfaction with opportunities to influence school decisions.
Principle 2: Valued
Requirement: Students are listened to and empowered to shape their educational experience.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school actively demonstrates that student views influence decisions.
Examples include
- "You Said, We Did" feedback campaigns;
- Consultation before major policy changes. For example, Wellbeing Ladders;
- Training and support for student leaders;
- Recognition of student leadership through awards, references and celebration events; and
- Student leadership development opportunities.
Evidence
- Student leadership training records;
- Student leadership award nominations; and
- Evidence of policy changes informed by student voice.
Impact Measures
- Student participation rates;
- Student perceptions of being listened to; and
- Increased engagement in leadership opportunities.
Principle 3: Understood
Requirement: Students understand how to share views and participate in decision making.
How the School Meets this Requirement
Clear structures are in place to ensure students know where and how they can influence school life.
Examples include
- Student Congress structure published annually;
- Student leadership handbook;
- Tutor and assembly briefings;
- Sixth Form induction programme and handbooks; and
- Student leadership recruitment processes, including Student Chaplaincy.
Evidence
- Leadership handbook;
- Student induction materials; and
- Student leadership application records.
Impact Measures
- Student awareness survey outcomes; and
- Numbers applying for leadership roles. For example, 22 applicants for Student President for 2026-27.
Principle 4: Inclusive
Requirement: Engagement opportunities reflect the needs, interests and abilities of all students.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school seeks views from a diverse range of students.
Examples include
- Representation from each form within every year groups;
- Participation from students with additional learning needs;
- Targeted focus groups;
- Student wellbeing consultations. For example, ‘Do It Now’ Profile; and
- Opportunities to contribute through face to face meetings, surveys and digital platforms. For example, mobile phone consultation.
Evidence
- Survey participation analysis;
- Focus group records; and
- Inclusion reports.
Impact Measures
- Diversity of student leadership representation; and
- Participation rates across different student groups.
Principle 5: Bilingual
Requirement: Students can engage through Welsh and contribute to discussions regarding Welsh language and culture.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school promotes Welsh language and culture whilst ensuring opportunities for participation through both Welsh and English.
Examples include
- Student consultation regarding Welsh language initiatives;
- Eisteddfod coordination and implementation;
- Participation in Cymraeg Campus activities; and
- Student leadership input into Welsh language promotion.
Evidence
- Welsh language and culture development plan; and
- Student feedback relating to Welsh provision.
Impact Measures
- Student participation in Welsh language initiatives, including Eisteddfod and associated activities. For example, Tocynnau Iaith; and
- Feedback regarding Welsh language opportunities.
Principle 6: Individual and Collective
Requirement: Students have opportunities to contribute individually and collectively.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school provides both formal and informal mechanisms for student voice.
Examples include
- Student Congress. The Student Congress acts as the principal representative body for students across the school. Members gather views from their peers, contribute to decision making and work directly with senior leaders to improve the student experience;
- Student Chaplaincy Team. The Student Chaplaincy Team provides leadership opportunities for students to contribute to the school's Christian distinctiveness, collective worship, charitable activities and community engagement; and
- Student Leadership and Future Vision. Students contribute to shaping the future direction of the school through discussions with leaders and governors.
Evidence
- Student Congress minutes;
- Chaplaincy records;
- School development plan;
- Governor presentations from students.
Impact Measures
- Number of recommendations adopted. For example, mobile phone consultation; Learning Resources Centre; Wellbeing Ladder;
- Student perception of influence; and
- Improvements resulting from student-led initiatives.
Principle 7: Impactful
Requirement: Students can see the outcomes of their engagement and understand the impact of their contributions.
How the School Meets this Requirement
Student feedback informs both operational and strategic decisions.
Examples include
- Regular feedback updates;
- Student Congress reports;
- Assembly presentations; and
- Student led initiatives resulting in tangible improvements.
Evidence
- "You Said, We Did" communications;
- Action plans; and
- Student leadership reports.
Impact Measures
- Number of completed actions;
- Student satisfaction levels; and
- Improvements identified through surveys.
Principle 8: Resourced
Requirement: Appropriate resources are allocated to support student engagement.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The school invests in student leadership and engagement.
Examples include
- Designated oversight by member of the leadership team;
- Sixth Form leadership coordination;
- Staff support for Student Congress;
- Staff support for Student Chaplaincy;
- Leadership training opportunities. This includes level 1 safeguarding for all student chaplains; and
- Meeting time and facilities.
Evidence
- Leadership structure;
- Staff responsibilities; and
- Training programme documentation.
Impact Measures
- Student participation rates;
- Leadership retention; and
- Student evaluations of leadership support.
Principle 9: Evaluated
Requirement: Student engagement is regularly evaluated and improved.
How the School Meets this Requirement
The effectiveness of student engagement is reviewed annually.
Examples include
- Annual student voice review;
- Student Congress evaluation;
- Sixth Form leadership evaluation;
- Governor review of student engagement; and
- School self-evaluation processes.
Evidence
- Annual evaluation reports;
- Survey outcomes; and
- School Development Plan.
Impact Measures
- Student participation trends;
- Student satisfaction outcomes; and
- Progress against student engagement actions.
Governing Body Assurance Statement
The Governing Body is satisfied that The Bishop of Llandaff CiW High School provides meaningful opportunities for student engagement and is aligned with the principles of the Medr 'Leanerner Engagement Code'. Evidence emonstrates that students are actively involved in decision making through established structures including the Student Congress, Student Chaplaincy Team, Sixth Form Leadership Team and broader consultation activities that influence both operational and strategic developments within the school.