Leading

Student leadership at McAuley is not confined to a small group of individuals, as leadership potential is inherent within all learners.

Student leadership includes listening to and being able to clarify the issues of those they represent and advocating on their behalf. Student leaders have an increased sense of responsibility to help others, and to model leadership principles and values. Trust, autonomy and relationships are enhanced through the development of leadership qualities.

Student leadership at McAuley is evident when our learners:

• set high expectations for themselves;
• have a growth mindset and believe they can learn and build their knowledge and skills through effort;
• want to learn about themselves and contribute to the community and the world around them;
• generate meaningful discussions on behalf of those learners whose voices are less likely to be heard, who are disengaged, or who lack the skills and confidence to express views and opinions;
• can represent their school and its learners as confident members of a student leadership team; and
• actively participate in a student representative organisation and effectively contribute to school decision making.

Student voice at McAuley Community School is not simply about giving learners the opportunity to communicate ideas and opinions; it is about our learners having the opportunities to influence change.

At McAuley, authentic student voice provides opportunities to collaborate and make decisions with adults around what and how they learn and how their learning is assessed. This is known to lead to improved educational outcomes.

Student voice at McAuley is evident when our learners:

• listen to and learn from peers and adults
• ask questions to strengthen their understanding
• share their ideas and opinions
• actively seek feedback from educators and peers to progress their learning and reflect on their learning experience
• give feedback to peers and educators
• negotiate learning goals and assessment
• feel confident to contribute in meaningful ways for a shared sense of ownership.

Student agency refers to the level of autonomy and power that each learner experiences in the learning environment. Student voice and agency are intrinsically linked. Agency at McAuley gives learners the opportunities to direct and take responsibility for their learning, creating independent and self-regulating learners.

Student agency at McAuley is evident when our learners:

• take responsibility for their learning;
• negotiate and co-construct learning that stretches their thinking;
• can track and measure their own growth;
• display the capabilities, confidence and willingness to contribute ideas and make decisions about what and how they learn; and
• reflect, act and accept the responsibility that comes with being a problem solver.

Leadership and learning opportunities are everywhere, not just restricted to the Learning Neighbourhoods.

Opportunities for learners at McAuley to demonstrate and develop their leadership skills beyond the school is driven by our commitment of service to others through action. This service through leadership allows learners to develop skills and attitudes to assist them to become active citizens prepared to make a difference in our world. 

At McAuley, we realise the value of making use of and engaging the full capacity of existing community resources and capabilities to encourage and enhance learning.  Wider community interaction has a large impact on learning experiences and educational outcomes, influencing individuals’ beliefs about themselves and the world.

Leadership beyond the school is evident when our learners:

• engage in positive relationships with parents, community and local businesses and services;
• build partnerships with local community organisations such as Parish volunteer groups, aged care facilities, and community volunteer groups and businesses where learners can undertake collaborative projects;
• connect with the school and local community through media and social media, about issues of community concern;
• showcase and pitch change making ideas to relevant community groups; and
• exercise agency over their learning by engaging in projects that have real impact on their community.