Assertiveness in young people

Becoming assertive through participation in decision making is a learning curve for pupils - and adults! We have found along the way that encouraging assertiveness can be confused with encouraging cheek and aggressiveness - and yes, we as teachers have been stung by the odd inappropriate comment from a confident child. This has been addressed by explanation and suggestions for a more constructive and acceptable way of making their point. However, an assertive, confident young person has a crucial advantage in, for example, risk situations and in advancing their own aspirations. It is therefore worth the mutual effort and negotiation between staff and pupils to achieve this.

Since my son became involved in the Senior Pupil Forum, his self confidence and assertiveness have developed with his former shyness being less apparent.
Parent of P6 pupil

I believe that allowing pupils a say in the running of the school is a good idea - but as in any other aspects of school life there have to be boundaries and the appropriate time and place for speaking out has to be understood.
Class Teacher B

Pressure on young people

Evidence has recently come to our attention that the responsibilities taken on by senior pupils through active participation may be too much for some, leading to stress. This is now being closely monitored through a partnership with parents that ensures there are no unnecessary or excessive burdens placed on pupils. In our enthusiastic response to the new legislative and policy contexts, we must remember that these are still young children who should enjoy their childhood!

Some children thrive on it but not all children may be of that make up. Some children may not want responsibility. On the other hand, the way that Kilninver School now presents opportunities encourages each child to 'give it a go'. Those that find it a little daunting get plenty of help. I'm all for it.
Parent of P7 pupil
 

As pupil participation in decision making within the school has increased, pupils, particularly in the upper school, have become more responsible for their own education. They are not afraid to ask about their progress or to inquire about aspects of their learning. Working habits and attitudes in P6/7 have improved dramatically in recent years. Attendance, too, has improved and many pupils are attaining higher than previously forecast. In short, pupils are taking ownership of their own learning and the gains are evident.

The positive ethos of the school is driven by senior pupils who have a real stake in what happens. Their influence and example permeates the school's ethos. Younger pupils see older children working hard at school and showing an interest in them, advancing their wishes and responding to their concerns. There is a healthy relationship between staff and pupils, based on mutual respect; pupils can share a laugh and joke with staff, while knowing when to get their heads down and concentrate on their work.

HMI recently reported

The school had a very welcoming and positive ethos. There were very good relationships between staff and pupils, all of whom were proud of their school and its achievements . . . older pupils cared for younger ones and willingly accepted additional responsibilities. They were meaningfully involved in making decisions .. . (all this) was reflected in pupils' very good behaviour and positive attitudes.

The Next Steps

There is always work to be done, consolidating what we have achieved together so far and building on it. Matters in hand include:

• the introduction of a more thorough training programme at P6/7 to prepare pupils for participation,
• consideration of extending the system of pupil evaluation to include core curricular areas,
• allowing younger pupils to contribute to the newsletter and possibly to attend parents' evenings,
• consulting pupils on homework and assessment procedures prior to producing school policies,
• extending the remit of the Senior Pupil Forum to include discussion of community issues relevant to them, and
• producing a policy for pupil participation, to include input from staff, pupils and parents.

We feel we can say now, when we look at Kilninver Primary School's pupils, that these are children growing in confidence and preparing to take control of their lives.