Young students at a Brentwood primary school are getting a unique head start in leadership, taking on official roles designed to shape their education and environment.
Pupils Vote for Their First Junior Governors
A team of 14 pupils from Reception through to Year 6 have been democratically elected by their classmates to serve as Larchwood Primary School's inaugural junior governors. These young representatives will meet regularly with the deputy headteacher to participate in school decision-making, assist at events, and help organise fundraising activities.
Digital and Eco Leaders Drive Key Initiatives
In a push to prepare for the modern world, twelve digital leaders from Years 1 to 6 have a particularly exciting task ahead. They are scheduled to attend the prestigious Bett UK exhibition in January to explore new ideas for integrating technology into learning. Working alongside the school's computing lead, their remit includes curriculum development and promoting online safety awareness.
Parallel to this, another twelve pupils have been appointed as eco leaders, a core part of the school's climate action plan. Their mission is to steer Larchwood Primary towards greater energy efficiency and to champion recycling initiatives within the school community.
Promoting Activity and a Sense of Citizenship
Further embedding leadership across year groups, two sports leaders have been selected per class. They help coordinate sporting events and encourage physical activity during break and lunchtimes.
Headteacher Steve Bowsher emphasised the profound impact of these new positions. "These roles give pupils a real sense of citizenship, which is really important," he said. "It has been really good to see different children getting involved as they have a new way of indulging in their talents and interests."
He praised the pupils' passion, noting they now have the important job of representing and educating their peers. "Their support makes a massive difference," Bowsher added. "I hope these roles develop that sense of community and sense of responsibility, which is one of our school values. One day, these pupils may go on to become future leaders. We are giving them that confidence to do that. Our pupils go on and do amazing things."
