FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Capturing the right voice
Without a doubt, ‘student voice’ is such an
important resource that can provide feedback
to assist in guiding the actions and planning
in a school. However, in many educational
institutions (particularly schools) student voice
can be an underutilised resource; one reason
is that it can be difficult to capture.
The recent Michelle Mitchell workshops
undertaken with our Year 7, 10 and 11
students provided an opportunity for some
rich and interesting feedback to be obtained
from the students. I was extremely pleased
that much of the feedback displayed a
genuine ability for our students to be
thoughtful, reflective and show gratitude for
the outstanding educational opportunity they
have as part of this school community.
The responses I particularly wanted to share
with the community in this edition of the
Forward are the student responses when
posed with the question “What makes
Guildford Grammar a great school?” The
perennial humorous answers that students
from all walks of life have been giving since
the dawn of schooling, that “recess and
lunch” are the best parts, of course made an
expected appearance, but as a collective the
response from the students was much more
measured and thoughtful.
For our Year 7s the facilities of the school
were identified as the standout feature
closely followed by the House system and the
sporting opportunities. Not far behind, they
held a strong weighting around “freedom
of choice” in relation to their subjects and
activities, and teachers and cultural diversity
were themes that appeared frequently.
Our Year 10 students again strongly
indicated that facilities, the House system,
teachers and sporting opportunities are
the components of school which have the
biggest impact on them, although they
also included comments such as “inclusive
regardless of academic level”, “supportive
of students” and mentions of the School’s
traditions and culture.
The Year 11 students identified academic
choice and teaching staff as two of the most
important factors, which is probably reflective
of their focus in the latter years of schooling,
but also had the campus and its facilities and
PSA sport as very significant contributors to
their schooling experience. More than any
other group they also identified being able to
spend time with their friends as a significant
factor, no doubt thanks to the relationships
they have created and sustained over a
longer period in the school.
Mr Brad Evans
There is no one correct answer for “What
makes Guildford Grammar a great school?”.
As educators and parents, we should place
a premium value on what students have to
say in this regard, given that they are at the
centre of all that we do, and I hope this small
insight has provided some food for thought
and discussion regarding what makes our
school so special. There is no doubt that
much of what our students expressed as
valuable in their educational experience will
be highlighted in this edition of the Forward,
which we hope you enjoy!
Mr Brad Evans
Head Of Senior School
11