Student Voice and Agency is important at NCAT and underlies everything we do at the college.
All students vote for student representatives for each course and year level at the school. The students form the Student Leadership team who work closely with their fellow students and teachers to encourage student voice and choose their goals for the year.
Student Reps run activities to improve student wellbeing and build leadership.
The Student Leadership team have participated in the Teach the Teach program developed by the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC). Basically the program encourages student voice after students participate in the program, they present back to staff and encourage collaborative conversations for change.
NCAT student leaders have taken part in the following:
- The Victorian Student Representative Council Regional Conferences
- The Halogen Foundation’s Leadership Conference
- Darebin Youth Summit.
Currently, NCAT has a representative on the Victorian SRC executive committee with student leaders from across Victoria.
At the beginning of the year, students can choose to speak in front of their year level about why they think they are the best person to represent the interests of their peers.
Being on the team improves your public speaking, communication, organisational, leadership and teamwork skills. You are a representative of the school at a range of events.
Being on the Student Leadership team is not the only way to have your voice heard at NCAT. You can give student feedback in Teacher Surveys, and be involved in the discussions that impact your learning.
Student voice, agency and leadership nurtures a culture of collaboration empowering students in their learning.
Student Voice, Agency & Leadership
Student voice, agency and leadership are valued at NCAT. Within a defined framework based on respect, students are encouraged to find and use their voice and take ownership of their learning.
In 2019, the College was recognised for its progressive approach to student voice and was nominated as a finalist in the VEC Senior Secondary School of the Year Award.
An Inclusive and Student Owned Model
The student leadership model was developed by students to reflect all the programs and the diverse community. Following a student led election the leadership team works within a constitution. Then up to twenty student representatives meet at weekly.
Student reps lead assemblies once a term. During these assemblies student reps tell fellow students how student voice, agency and leadership works at the college. Additionally these whole school assemblies are used to showcase and celebrate the wonderful student talent at NCAT
Student Leaders
Student leaders play an important role in the college. Significantly they have many opportunities to work with staff to voice their suggestions, offer feedback and create change around learning. All students together with Student Representatives talk with their teachers about what best facilitates learning. They are given formal and informal ways through the year to provide feedback.
Student leaders are actively involved in all aspects of school life and as proud ambassadors of the college are involved the year 10 breakfast, orientation day, the school formal, awards night, information evening, year 12 graduation and Couchfest.
Student led and supported initiatives have included the introduction of:
- student feedback to teacher survey results to be explicitly discussed in classes
- student led survey and data collation around teaching and learning in the classroom
- the VicSRC Teach the Teacher program and presentation to staff of post survey discussion about learning in the classroom
- recycling bins and a worm farm in partnership with Darebin City Council
- student action teams in sustainability, diversity and social justice and other initiatives of interest to students
- NCAT keep cups available for purchase
- student attendance at VicSRC congress and other external conferences
- student representation on school council
- video documenting school pride
Why include student contribution in learning?
Student contribution in learning develops the core skills of communication, negotiation and problem solving. Consequently enabling them to play a key role as agents of change in their learning environment. The combination of voice and agency empowers students to embrace learning, build resilience, wellbeing and create school pride. All students are encouraged to play a role as leaders in their own learning.
If you would like to find out more about student involvement at the College, please contact Nadia Tomarchio, Student Voice, Agency & Leadership Coordinator.