Pupil Leadership; empowering children

We believe that all children should have the opportunity to be a leader within the classroom. We also provide further opportunities for all pupils to become leaders school-wide. This enables them to further develop their confidence, responsibility and also key skills, such as teamwork, communication and problem solving. Being involved with a leadership role at Our Lady of Lourdes helps pupils to be active within our school community, as they take more ownership for what happens around them. These early leadership opportunities help pupils to develop a sense of purpose and experience what being involved with our community means.

Below are some of the leadership opportunities that we offer at Our Lady of Lourdes:

Ambassadors

Pupils from Years 2 to 6 apply to become year group Ambassadors. They attend a group interview and talk about how our values link to their school life and how they feel they can positively contribute to our school. Ambassadors contribute to the decision making process in school, and use their communication skills as they run initiatives, arrange projects and allow other pupils to have a voice.

Guardian Angels; Pupil Mentors

Our Guardian Angels are volunteers who help to organise games and model using playground equipment with our younger children. From helping to find a particular friend in the playground to initiating traditional games for pupils, the Guardian Angels look out for and support our younger children. This role is in line with our ethos and values and demonstrates the importance of caring for others and being a role model.

Junior Librarians

With the support of our School Librarian, our dedicated Junior Librarians run and maintain the school library and at the same time share their passion for books and reading. The library is a haven for all of our pupils. From the Nursery children visiting after lunch each day, to our more independent pupils choosing another book to immerse themselves in, the library is a welcoming and calm haven, supported by the work of our Junior Librarians.

OPAL Monitors

Every child is given the responsibility of tidying up after each play and lunch time. However, our OPAL Monitors ensure that resources are sorted, children are guided and things are put away properly. By having organised systems in place, our OPAL Monitors ensure that the children have more playtime and less tidying up time, so everyone benefits from their leadership and support.

Year Six Buddies

Every Reception Child is introduced to a Year Six Buddy in the Autumn Term. This provides a familiar face and friend in the playground who will ‘look out for them’, provide a smile and be a friend as needed.  The Buddies share a school prayer book, teach the children how to make the Sign of the Cross and say our school prayer and then act as a role model.