Discover the importance of having a student voice at education events
NetSupport has a long history of working in the education sector, and, as part of that, wherever possible we try to engage with schools and provide opportunities and experiences for their students.
This can range from a visit to the NetSupport offices so students can understand the workplace and/or take part in an apprenticeship/work experience placement, to helping them travel to visit local and national shows.
Whilst in the education sector the term ‘student voice’ is frequently heard, it is often adults doing the talking. At NetSupport, we maintain that students are at the heart of education. Events like Bett are a great opportunity to encourage and foster their voice and enable them to share their views and ideas and offer them an experience which will be enjoyable and highly memorable.
NetSupport has worked with Birchwood Primary and Lanchester EP Primary School for five years, ensuring their staff can bring a group of their students to Bett UK in London to participate in speaker sessions (both on the NetSupport exhibition stand and on the stages at Bett), where they can develop their oracy and confidence, as well as immersing themselves in the Bett experience.
Al Kingsley, CEO of NetSupport, explains:
“Student voice is often seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than central to the success of a school’s initiatives. Whether it’s edtech adoption/implementation, digital citizenship, wellbeing or broader community engagement, students can provide unique insights and should help shape their own learning experience. That’s why we love to support these schools and ensure their students can take part in events such as Bett, to share their student voice initiatives with other schools – and, frankly, we just really enjoy having them with us as part of the Bett experience.”
Digital Enrichment Leader, Martin Bailey, said:
“I bring my Digital Leader pupils from Lanchester EP Primary School (Co. Durham) to Bett each year. It is always the highlight of the year, but without the help of NetSupport, would be difficult to do. We, as a school, really value the student voice, and it helps inform future purchases, not to mention the benefit to pupils with having their voices heard.”
Neil Coleman, Headteacher at Birchwood Primary, commented:
“It is very important to us that our children have a voice and a say in OUR school and that they are listened to. Empowering children to contribute to the development of school practice and policy has enabled their thoughts and ideas to be part of our curriculum offer and their learning experience. We are also keen to provide our children with a platform so that their voice reaches a wider audience and can have an impact outside of our school. Over the years, NetSupport has sponsored our children to be able to attend Bett, providing them with rich opportunities and memorable experiences, as well as a ‘stage’ so their voice can be heard.”
Join NetSupport and the students of Birchwood Primary and Lanchester EP Primary School at Bett 2024 on stand SD50, as they take part in the collaboration zone along with many other education thought leaders.
