Student Voice

Click on the following pictures to hear what some older students say about going to high school.

Challenges in adjusting to high school

Primary school and high school are different

State SRC members talk about ways to make going to high school easier

Switching on to learning

• 'My public speaking has improved a lot - I was always really nervous but it has taught me to calm down' - Lewis
• 'I feel good when I contribute and even better when I represent' - Sam
• 'Our schools public speaking program has taught me that anyone can learn to speak well' - Ruby
• 'It is helpful to learn communication skills and to be able to be a part of improving our school' - William

State student leaders participated in the 'Speak Up against Bullying' Initiative, Anti-Bullying Forum, March 2005 and their insightful comments were quoted in Daily Telegraph newspaper reports.

Anti-bullying resources are available on the Department's Intranet, for student leaders and teachers.

Senior staff of the Department of Education and Training meet with students from the NSW SRC twice a year. As a result students have a say on a wide range of issues.

Senior officers:

• hear about issues that are being raised by students
• learn about the plans and achievements of the NSW SRC
• find ways for staff and students to work together.

Student leaders from the NSW SRC and other leadership groups have presented workshops, participated in Student Panels and delivered speeches at major conferences including:

• 15-19 Year Olds Conference, 2006
• Middle Years Conference, 2005 and 2006
• Connected Learning Conference 2007
• 5th Australian and New Zealand Adolescent Health Conference, 2006
• State Deputies Conference, 2006
• Secondary Principals Conference, 2005 and 2007
• MindMatters Conference, Melbourne, 2007