The ‘Student Voice, Agency, and Leadership’ element of the Wellbeing Framework is essential for fostering an educational environment where students are empowered to actively participate in their learning process, make decisions and contribute to the school community.

By promoting student voice, students are encouraged to express their opinions, preferences and concerns, creating a sense of belonging and ownership over their educational journey.

Agency involves giving students the autonomy to set goals, make choices and take responsibility for their actions, which can significantly boost their motivation and sense of purpose in the world.

Leadership opportunities, whether formal or informal, further enhance students’ self-confidence and interpersonal skills, equipping them to lead initiatives, advocate for themselves and others, and build a positive school culture.

When students are given these opportunities at school, it not only supports their personal growth and wellbeing but also strengthens the overall learning environment, making it more inclusive, responsive and collaborative.

This approach helps students develop critical life skills, including decision-making, problem-solving and effective communication, which are crucial for success both in school and beyond.

*This framework element is linked to ‘Voice’ in the ‘Junior School Wellbeing Framework’*

·        Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS)

“All government schools must participate in AtoSS, providing the opportunity for students from Year 4 to Year 12 to complete the survey. The survey provides data that helps the department understand student perspectives of their school and to improve the schooling experience.”

“Data collected includes how students feel in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general.”

https://www.vic.gov.au/attitudes-school-survey-atoss

·        Student Leadership Program and Meetings

Mulgrave Primary School’s student leadership program provides opportunities for Year 6 students to develop leadership skills, attributes and qualities. The twenty-four student leaders participate in fortnightly meetings, sharing their thoughts and ideas on how to improve the school. They liaise with school staff to effectively contribute to the school community, communicating their ideas and representing the voice of their peers. Through these experiences, student leaders develop confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills, while fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in their contributions to the school’s culture and environment.

·        ‘Buddies’ Program

The "Buddies" Program at Mulgrave Primary School pairs Prep and Year 5 students together to foster mentorship, communication and a sense of responsibility. It encourages students to form positive and meaningful relationships with peers. The program also gives older students the opportunity to take on leadership roles, while younger students develop confidence and autonomy through their interactions with their buddies.

·        Student Voice Team Representatives - Years 3-5

The Student Voice Team is comprised of two representatives from each class in Years 3-5. These students are appointed by their peers and contribute meaningful suggestions regarding school improvement. They coordinate with student and school leaders to contribute positively to enhancing Mulgrave Primary School.

·        Wellbeing Captains and Awards

Wellbeing Captains work within the Student Leadership Program at Mulgrave Primary School. They collaborate with the Wellbeing Learning Specialist, school leadership and student leaders to raise awareness of the Wellbeing program, supporting opportunities for student voice and agency, and promoting the school values. These students are also responsible for encouraging the school to develop social and emotional literacy through the practice of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. Wellbeing Awards are granted to students who are recognised by their peers to be demonstrating the school values and representing elements of the Wellbeing Program.

·        Student Voice Box

Each classroom at Mulgrave Primary School has a Student Voice Box.
This provides students the opportunity to actively share their ideas, suggestions and feelings about life at school. Students write and record their ideas, often relating to suggestions, concerns and kindness, that are then shared within a Class Circle/Meeting. The ideas are recorded, and when relevant, are forwarded on to the Student Voice Team representatives for further discussion during their designated meetings.

·       Class Circle/Meeting

Regular Class Circle/Meeting times are important for students to collectively share their ideas, suggestions and feelings in an open, safe and inclusive environment. These student-led meetings are another opportunity for their voice to be heard, and to further develop skills including problem solving, effective communication and listening, and empathy.

·        Student Voice Goals in Individual Learning Plans

Embedded within each students’ Individual Learning Plan is a Student Voice Goal. These goals are identified by the individual student that reflect an area of their schooling that they recognised as a personal goal they would like to work towards and achieve. These goals are often linked to the school values and rules, leadership and other attributes within Wellbeing Program.

·        Student-Led Whole-School Activities

Student voice and agency are evident in whole-school activities at Mulgrave Primary School, including the annual Market Day led by senior students in Years 5 and 6. This event offers students valuable opportunities to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial skills, as they develop and manage their own stalls, promote their ideas and engage with the school community while raising funds and making a positive impact.

·        5 Learning Questions - Lyn Sharratt

Lyn Sharratt’s ‘Power of 5 Critical Questions’ is embedded in classrooms across Mulgrave Primary School, fostering deeper metacognition among students. These questions encourage active reflection, enabling students to make meaningful connections in their learning while sharing their voice and articulating their thoughts. This structured approach empowers students to develop independence, accountability and a strong sense of responsibility for their own learning.

https://www.lynsharratt.com/post/closing-the-gap-to-raise-the-bar-the-power-of-5-critical-questions