Thirty-five student leaders from Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College (BBEC) were officially inaugurated as Student Prefects in front of a proud audience of parents and school leaders at a celebratory assembly in Bradford Town Hall on Wednesday 1st November.
BBEC has run a successful Student Parliament for several years bringing together students from across all year groups in the Academy from year 7-11 to ensure school leadership and student voice is at the heart of all school activity. Made up of Student Prefects the Parliament provides advice and guidance to school leaders on current pupil concerns, areas for student leadership activity and ideas for the future.
It has been an integral part in shaping the schools outreach with the community, charity event and student leadership opportunities for a number of years. It is an important part of the schools Personal Development curriculum providing opportunities for students to lead, support and work on key skills for the future. In the past, prefects have planned inclusive events and clubs in the school, such as an annual Pride event. They have delivered assemblies and participated in social action and charity work within the community.
Students are elected to be Prefects in a system which mirrors the UK democratic system. First students are voted in by all of their peers in a systematic election process before meeting a group to develop their manifesto and plans. Students are expected to work with students across the wider school community to ensure that plans are representative of the whole school body and the priorities of the wider school community.
Each student will be supported in their role as a Prefect through a series of workshop and training events ensuring they develop the skills and expertise to ensure the Student Parliament is successful and impactful, whilst enhancing their individual life skills and confidence for their future careers.
During the event, Student Leaders heard from MP Judith Cummins who described the importance of their role as an elected representative. In a written statement read to students Mrs Cummins said: “Having the opportunity to be a voice for your fellow students and to champion all that is great about our community is an immense privilege, whether as a prefect in Student Parliament or as a Member of Parliament in Westminster.”
Mr Andrew Taylor, Headteacher at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College said: “It was an honour to share the obvious pride of the parents and carers who came to witness their children’s inauguration in such a prestigious building. The students, and indeed the staff involved, worked tremendously hard in preparation for the event and it was humbling to hear what our future leaders, both within BBEC and beyond, had to say. They are an inspiring group of young people who deserve this level of recognition.
Miss Dal Kaur, Achievement Leader for PSHCE at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College who leads the Prefect programme said: “It is an immense privilege to work with our Student Parliament team and bear witness to their achievements and growth as leaders and changemakers. The Inauguration ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for students, staff and family to congratulate and motivate our new student prefects to continue on their journey as student leaders.”
Carol Dewhurst, Chief Executive at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust said “I was delighted to have the privilege to attend the BBEC Inauguration to see our students achieve their Prefect Badges. Each of the young people selected has worked really hard to earn their place as a Prefect at Buttershaw, already demonstrating the leadership and attributes we hope to see in our community and City leaders. I wish them every success in their Prefect journey and I hope it gives them a taste for leadership in their future careers.”