What's Happening In Secondary

Student Voice in Secondary

One of the things we value deeply in Secondary at Devonport Christian School is hearing from our students themselves. While staff can talk about programs and structures, there is something powerful about students sharing their own experiences of learning, growing and discovering who they are becoming.

This week we hosted our Year 7 Information Evening, and one of the highlights of the night was hearing from a number of our students. Rather than simply explaining Secondary from a staff perspective, we wanted parents to hear directly from those living it day to day.

Thank you to the students who generously shared a little of their experience with families. We are grateful to Ezra, Hudson, Maybelle, Avé, Flynn, Caleb, Alice, Ruby and Reuben for stepping up and speaking. It takes courage to stand in front of a room of adults, and we appreciated their willingness to represent our Secondary community so well.

One of the reasons we include student voices in evenings like this is that student agency and leadership are important parts of our Secondary program. As students move through the teenage years, they begin developing their own voice, discovering their interests, and learning to contribute to the community around them.

This was reflected in a number of ways, including leadership opportunities, student-led projects, options subjects and student involvement in school life. These experiences help young people grow in confidence, responsibility and initiative.

During the evening we also shared a little about the five pillars that shape Secondary at DCS, which help guide how we support students academically, personally and spiritually.

• Academic Rigour – ensuring students develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and learning habits.

• Beyond – our intentional character formation program that encourages students to grow in resilience, identity and service.

• Voice and Choice – opportunities for students to explore interests, lead projects and develop their own agency.

• Parent Partnership – recognising that the best outcomes for students happen when school and families work closely together.

• Staffing Model – creating a structure where students are well taught, well supported and well known by staff.

   

Underneath these pillars sits a simple framework we talk about with students: Stand Firm, Look Up and Reach Out. These postures encourage students to grow in character, purpose and compassion as they move through their Secondary years.

The teenage years are a time of enormous growth. One of the great privileges of working in Secondary is watching young people gradually develop confidence, courage and a sense of direction for their lives. We are thankful for the many students who are willing to step forward and use their voice to contribute to the life of our school.

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