English Secondary Students’ Association (ESSA)
What is the English Secondary Students’ Association (ESSA)?
ESSA is working to become the representative body for secondary students in England. It aims to support students in expressing their views about education by providing workshops and a network of support with other secondary students. How does ESSA work? The people who make decisions about ESSA's activities are young people who are, or have recently been, part of the education system. They are given advice and support by adults, but the decisions about ESSA's aims and activities are taken by students. If you’re aged 11-19 you can join ESSA for free and can help to steer its direction. What does ESSA do? ESSA's work has two main strands: it aims to provide training, guidance and advice to empower students and equip them with the vital skills needed to become actively involved in the decision-making processes in their own school communities; and it aims to work in partnership with other organisations to bring the views of secondary students to the attention of local and national policy-makers, as well as the media, in relation to educational issues. How can I get involved?
ESSA is currently involved in a growing number of projects, and is always keen to expand its connections with students from across the country. If you’re a student aged 11-19 and want to know more about ESSA and how to join visit their website – www.studentvoice.co.uk If you are an adult and would like further information, or would like to support ESSA's work, please contact ESSA directly. E-mail enquiries@studentvoice.co.uk and they'll get back to you. ESSA’s Confidence in Communication training programme
In the Spring of 2005 Phoenix and ESSA heard from a number of young people who had been excluded from secondary education. They explained the actions that had lead to their exclusion from school. As a result Phoenix and ESSA developed a training programme and toolkit designed to increase students’ confidence and ability to communication effectively. Funded by the Ready, Steady, Change programme the project created training for students delivered by students. The aim of the training programme is to improve relationships between students and teachers by providing students with the skills and knowledge that they need to get their messages across effectively. Other partners in the project included the National College for School Leadership, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, Bedfordshire School Improvement Partnership, and the Forum on Prisoner Education. http://www.studentvoice.co.uk |
