Pupil Voice

At Forres Academy there are a number of opportunities to get involved in whole school improvement planning. We believe in giving young people a voice. We agree with UNCRC Article 12 that states “Children have the right to give their opinions freely on issues that affect them. Adults should listen and take children seriously.” All pupils involved in a leadership activity are encouraged to apply for their Saltire award.

At Forres Academy you can participate in the following pupil voice groups:

·         Our Student Network
We meet twice a term to discuss a range of whole school topics – some of our most recent meetings have been working n collaboration with the architects for the new school build, canteen services and other partners like Pride Moray. We also regularly discuss HGIOURS framework questions and carry out tasks from this document.  We also plan Pupil Voice conferences.

·         Rights Respecting Schools Ambassadors.
We meet every week at Equalities club to create opportunities to embed the UNCRC articles into school life.

·         LGBTQ+ Ambassadors – Pride of Forres Academy (POFA).
We meet weekly at Equalities club to work on the LGBT school charter.

·         Elite Tutors.
Work Closely with Miss Ross the PT of Raising Attainment to build in mentoring and tutoring opportunities for pupils requiring support.

·         Sports Ambassadors.
Meet termly with Active Schools to plan sporting partnership events across our ASG.

·         SCQF Ambassadors:
They meet twice termly to promote the SCQF framework and the many learner journeys in our school.

·         The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) ambassadors are trained peer mentors that challenge attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of violence in our local community.

·         Military Ambassadors:
Meet weekly at a drop in club with Miss Malloy to promote ongoing partnerships in our local community and to support our own military experienced pupils. 

·         ASfL Ambassadors.
Pupils in our Additional Support for Learning department have formed their own pupil council to report on their viewpoints on a number of topics relating to our Autism friendly classrooms and enhanced provisions.

·         S6 Committees:
All of s6 have a dedicated Leadership period on their timetable where they have formed a number of committees to contribute positively to the wider life of the school. Examples include: Year book, Interhouse, Charities, and Events.

·         Prefects:
Our S5 and S6 pupils have the opportunity to apply for the role as prefect. This role involves working with staff to arrange events, give tours of our school, help monitors social areas and corridors as well as meet and greet parents, carers and partners.

·         Senior Prefects:
S6 pupils can apply for the role of senior prefect. We have 6 senior prefects who help lead and manage the wider prefect team, as well as help mentor and provide training for this team.

·         House Captains:
We have 5 houses at Forres Academy: Cluny, Dava, Nelson, Romach and Sueno. We have 2 house captains per house who are tasked with creating fun Interhouse competitions, and hosting end of term celebrating success assemblies.

We also have plans, based on pupil feedback, to introduce subject ambassadors to, Saltire Ambassadors, and year group committees. We are also training 20 pupils to become Wellbeing Ambassadors. There is so much to get involved in.