The first conference of the newly-elected Sawyers Hall College student leadership council took place on Tuesday 27th January 2009, involving almost 80 students, representing each year, staff members and Headteacher, Mr Stephen Capper.
The senior student leadership team had been responsible for many of the arrangements including booking a suitable venue and they did not disappoint, with their choice of West Ham Football Stadium.
Mr Terry Reynolds, Director of Children’s Services, Essex LA, gave a keynote speech, sharing his thoughts with the students and staff about effective leadership skills, advising students to be confident in their own abilities and contribution.
A session of team building exercises led by Miss Lauren Roberts helped to break the ice and warm the students and staff up ready for the main group-based activities. This was an opportunity for students across the years to get to know each other and to work together.
Headteacher, Mr Stephen Capper, described various leadership styles and invited students to discover their own leadership style by answering a set of questions.
After lunch, there was an opportunity to spot West Ham footballers in the players’ car park and time for a visit to the shop for West Ham merchandise before the group work began.
The students joined one of four groups, led by senior students – Anti-bullying, Environmental Issues, College Facilities and Charity Support. The groups brainstormed ideas and then drew up a development plan with short, medium and long term aims, which they presented to the other members of the council. Ideas included anti-bullying monitors, inter-house activities to encourage friendship across the years and increase team spirit, an Easter charity fundraising week, increased efforts to recycle and conserve resources such as paper and improving facilities with a second Astroturf and a swimming pool.
The first conference was closed by Head Boy, Calum Mayne and
Head Girl, Rose Treherne, leaving all present with a sense of achievement
and anticipation for the future.