Student Leadership

Here at Harris Academy Chobham, all students are expected to demonstrate leadership skills. We believe that a key element of our purpose as a school is to prepare young people for the world beyond the Academy.

It is certain that many of our students will take careers and other roles in society which require them to lead others. It is therefore a responsibility of the Academy to support the development of all the skills required in leadership.

There are also broader aspects of leadership which we believe to be important. These include areas such as responsibility for oneself and others, politeness and good manners and resilience under pressure. Our academy values of ICHEER (Inclusion, Curiosity, Honesty, Empathy, Excellence, Respect) encourage students to work within a team, and as individuals, both through their learning in lessons and during extra-curricular activities.

We seek to develop leadership skills for all students in everything we do, including:

• Participation in whole academy change through the Youth Leadership Team.
• Developing independent learning skills in lessons.
• Encouraging social skills through collaborative learning opportunities.
• Taking responsibility for completing work to a high standard and meeting deadlines.
• Widening perspectives through our enrichment programme.
• Representing academy sports teams.
• Organising and participating in performances and presentations.
• Working with external agencies and local companies.
• Organising and participating in all academy events.

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Youth Leadership Team

At Harris Academy Chobham we feel it is of the highest importance that students are developed as leaders of the future. A key part to achieving this is the Youth Leadership Team.

The Youth Leadership Team is led by the Key Stage 5 Head Students.  We have a team of prefects in Years 10 and 12, plus student representatives in Years 7,8 and 9.  They meet regularly to discuss student feedback on all areas of academy life. The Youth Leadership Team work alongside the Academy Leadership Group and the wider academy community to ensure that it is a place where all students feel safe, happy and able to thrive. They also play a key role in organising all House events.

Students who are part of the Youth Leadership Team can develop a wide range of skills that are crucial for success at university and beyond. They also act as role models for the entire student body and work to develop key skills in those who they lead.

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Youth Leadership Training

All members of the Youth Leadership Team will take part in a bespoke leadership training programme which aims to develop them as young leaders. Training is provided from both internal and external providers. 

Through talks and interactive workshops, students develop a range of leadership the skills such as resilience, public speaking, self-confidence and also what it means to be a leader, how to plan and lead projects across the academy and different ways to lead a team.

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The role of a Prefect at Harris Academy Chobham

Alongside their role in the Youth Leadership Team our prefect teams will be expected to do the following:

1. Academy prefects act as role models within our community.  They will always be expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.
2. Academy prefects are required to represent the Academy’s student body at most of the internal and external academy events such as Open Days, Parent Communication Evenings, Celebration Evenings, primary school visits, the whole academy production and art exhibition. Duties on these occasions vary but will include hosting, speeches, assisting with refreshments, welcoming, judging and compeering.
3. Academy prefects act as a point of communication between students and staff. They will gather opinions from and represent the best interests of the student body. They then feedback to staff well thought-out and well evidenced opinions. To facilitate this, the Academy prefects make themselves available to students, possibly by putting together a regular ‘open door’ meeting rota or alternative form of communication.
4. Academy prefects complete key responsibilities across the Academy such as supporting in Key Stage 3 enrichment classes, supporting in the library at lunchtime and supporting with afterschool clubs in primary.
5. Academy prefects have the responsibility for creation and maintenance of displays within the academy.
6. Academy prefects work in collaboration with staff members to organise (and supervise) trips, events, innovation days or guest speakers from time-to-time.
7. Academy prefects act as the first point of contact for assisting and organising house events such as assemblies or tournaments, as well as charitable events.
8. Academy prefects will be expected to play an active part in promoting the ethos and values of the Academy through marketing, organising, and attending events within the community.
9. Academy prefects will be expected to play an active part in the transition of Year 6 students to Year 7.  They arrange regular visits, taster lessons and events, as well as assisting during the Year 6 Induction Day.
10. Academy prefects maybe asked to volunteer to assist wherever needed and within reason.

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As Academy prefects, we offer students the opportunity to:

• Develop their leadership skills;
• Develop their ability to work in a team;
• Develop their ability to use your initiative;
• Become actively involved in the day to day running of the school;
• Extend their Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Provide positive evidence for Sixth Form, College and job references;
• Become a more well-rounded individual.

Congratulations to everyone who has been successful in being appointed to the 2024 - 2025 Youth Leadership Team!

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Head Boy and Head Girl 2024-25

Head Girl - Afiyah Wagadugu

Head Boy - Elijah Ansah