Student Leadership
Student leadership is a big part of life at City of London Academy as we strive to prepare our students for their futures in the wider world, and refine the school’s provision to reflect the needs of our learners. There are opportunities to become involved in student leadership in every year group, from Year 7 all the way to Year 13.
CoLA Southwark’s elected Student President and Vice Presidents lead a thriving group of student voice representatives in both the secondary and sixth form schools. They meet regularly and work hard to represent their fellow students’ views across the school. As well as being responsible for running public student voice forums and charity events, our leadership team meets with the headteacher frequently, addressing issues that affect them and maintaining strong communication with staff.
In Year 11, there is a team of Prefects who work in an ambassadorial capacity, while administrating support for younger students, running charity events, and organising numerous celebrations throughout the year. In our lower school, students can lead others by becoming a playground or form monitor. These leaders help to maintain a safe and purposeful environment for all students to learn in lessons, and enjoy their break times.
The school values of Integritas and duty are evident in Student Leaders across the school, and have a real influence on how the school operates, with perhaps the best example being the creation of our Year 7 playground. This was an idea conceived of, supervised with, and approved by our own students, who felt that our starting year needed a space of their own as they adjusted to life at the academy. Also, as the academy has faced the challenges of lockdown and online provision, Student Leaders have been instrumental in helping to shape the learning experiences the school offers.
“As Student President, my role entails advocating for the student body. I host termly student council meetings to grant students throughout the school an opportunity to suggest ways to enhance their secondary school and sixth form experience. My role has been turbulent as a result of the lockdown, but – regardless – I aim to be like a big sister to all students.”
Angel Ayodeji – Student President
‘While this year has been tough for all of us, I am incredibly proud to see how far we have come together as a community. As Vice-President, having the opportunity to co-lead major events has absolutely pushed my own experiences of being in such a leadership position.
Taking up such an important role allows us to make certain decisions that are only made to benefit the students at hand. This has additionally given me an elevated level of obligation, respect and duty which I have taken up gladly and embraced. Furthermore, cooperating with those in other such leadership positions has provided the school with benefits that I’m sure has helped.
Now more than ever we need to be there for each other, especially during a time of panic and confusion that I’m sure will be over soon. Thank you to those who have voted for me and given me a voice within the school, the team promise to remain vigilant and resistant with the remaining time we have.”
David Sullivan – Student Vice-President