Student Voice
Role of the Student Voice
The Student Voice is a representative structure through which students in O’Carolan College can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students. Formally known as the Student Council, it has undergone rebranding to “The Student Voice”, the name suggesting that it gives more of a voice to students to allow for an open dialogue. The Student Voice is more voluntary than in previous years allowing students to set themselves up for the role instead of being put into it by their respective classes. Students have a valuable contribution to make to the effectiveness of their school and their involvement in the operation of the school is itself a valuable part of the education process for the students. A Student Voice provides an opportunity for students to engage in a structured partnership with teachers , parents and school managers in the operation of their school and more than ever build a constructive relationship. The student body nowadays has never been so receptive and engaged with how the school operates so that success can be achieved in every aspect of a student’s life.
The Student Voice can create a sense of ownership of the school and its activities among the student population. Our Student Voice gives students an opportunity to acquire the sort of communication, planning and organisational skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives. It enables students to take responsibility for projects, and to demonstrate that they can manage and bring such projects to successful conclusion. Moreover, the contribution made by the Student Voice to the development of school policy in a number of areas can have significant benefits for students and the school. School policies are far more likely to be successful where they are clearly understood and accepted by all partners within the school community and that is brought to fruition through the opinions and effectiveness of the student voice. Our Student Voice thrives because the students themselves are committed to the concept and to making it work.
Role of the Student Council
The Student Council is a representative structure through which students in O’Carolan College can become involved in the affairs of the school, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students. Students have a valuable contribution to make towards the effectiveness of their school and their involvement in the operation of the school is in itself a valuable part of the education process for the students. A Student Council provides an opportunity for students to engage in a structured partnership with teachers, parents and school managers in the operation of their school.
Student councils can create a sense of ownership of the school and its activities among the student population. Our Student Council gives students an opportunity to acquire the sort of communication, planning and organisational skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives. It enables students to take responsibility for projects, and to demonstrate that they can manage and bring such projects to successful conclusion. Moreover, the contribution made by the Student Council to the development of school policy in a number of areas can have significant benefits for students and the school. School policies are far more likely to be successful where they are clearly understood and accepted by all partners within the school community. Our Student Council thrives because the students themselves are committed to the concept and to making it work.
