Student Voice

Working in partnership with our students is very important to us. We have a clear message which we regularly promote: We're on the same side.

As well as regular student and parent surveys we also have other ways to make sure students' views are heard and acted upon. On a termly basis (and more frequently than this for Key Stage 3 students), we meet with a focus group from each Key Stage to investigate students' views about each department in the academy, how successful their learning is, what is best about their subjects, and what improvements they would like to see around the academy. These views are acted on where possible and are used to shape action planning for the coming term.

Student enterprise

Students regularly work on enterprise projects that they want to undertake through our social enterprise programme, HOPE, or through their coaching groups. For example, many students are currently growing vegetables on their own allotment plots that they have been given responsibility for. Charity work projects undertaken by students at the academy are also coordinated through coaching groups and HOPE, such as the HGAED contributions to the Southwark Food Bank and the recent fund-raising activities for Comic Relief. We have raised over £30,000 over the past five years for good causes. We take our responsibilities to the community beyond the academy very seriously.

Sports leaders

Sports leaders and captains lead a range of sporting activities at the academy, helping to organise teams and coach skills. They also regularly help with the coaching of younger students in primary schools that have links with the HGAED PE department.

Welcoming ideas and suggestions

Students know that they can email or contact any member of staff including the Principal to recommend ideas and suggestions, to make requests or to advise us of things. This happens on a regular basis.