“We value student voice. Schools listen to children and young people to plan action, and it guides Department planning and decision making.” (DECYP, Our Approach to Child and Student Wellbeing)

Student voice is essential at Don College as it fosters a sense of ownership, engagement, and empowerment. When students have a say in their education, and how they learn best, they feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn. This improves confidence, achievement, teacher/student relationships and creates a more positive school culture. Recent examples of student voice at Don College include our Community Services student participation in the Youth Network of Tasmania Tasmanian Youth Forum and the Student Teacher Feedback Survey.

The Don College Community Services students travelled to Launceston to provide their voice. They shared their views on how decision-makers should engage with, and listen to young people to help drive positive change. Members of Parliament, Youth Advocates and key decision makers were present to hear the voice of our youth. We are really proud of our students’ quality presentations and the manner in which they conducted themselves on the day.

In the Student Teacher Feedback Survey, students are invited to agree/disagree with statements about their perception of their teachers’ teaching strategies. Teachers use this feedback to review some of their teaching and act to better meet the expectations of students. Later this year, students will be able to complete the same survey and teachers will measure their performance against the focus indicators. This is just one strategy that our staff use to ensure they are delivering quality programs and responding to student voice.

Our students are about to participate in their Mid-Year assessments. Just the same as our teachers faced “assessment” by our students, Mid-Years are designed to identify focus areas for students, encourage reflection and plan next steps in learning. We wish all students a productive Mid-Year Assessment period.

By listening to students, schools can create environments that are inclusive and responsive to their needs. Students bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can contribute to meaningful changes in curriculum, policies, and school activities. Encouraging student voice helps develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential for success beyond the classroom.

Moreover, giving students the opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns helps address challenges such as bullying, mental health issues, and discrimination. When students feel heard, they are more likely to advocate for themselves and their peers, creating a safer and more supportive community.

Ultimately, student voice is about preparing young people to be active citizens who can shape the world around them. Schools that prioritize student voice build a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring that education is meaningful and impactful for every learner.