Our Character Curriculum is at the core of what is important to us and we strive to provide a wide range of opportunities and experiences for all of our pupils. It is our desire that our pupils and their families value their learning and seize all and any opportunity wholeheartedly, therefore we aim to ensure the offer to learn is strong in every classroom.
We aim to develop our pupils’ characters through the growth of relationships that define us as human. Through our curriculum, we develop a set of values which enable each and every one of our pupils to lead a remarkable life.
Our Prefect Team, at Lift Four Dwellings Secondary, is something we are very proud of. This Team of young people volunteer their time and skills to play a crucial role in our school community, and they truly rise to that challenge. The students take on a specific Leadership role and use their individual strengths to complement the positive work around the school. The key is to offer that unique support to young people when they do it, in all its forms. They also act, on our behalf, as ambassadors for our school. There are different levels of Leadership, including Prefects, Senior Prefects and Head Students.
The Prefect System is highly respected by our students and they wear their special ties with pride. Our Prefects are positive role models and help to promote the ethos of the school by supporting both staff and students in everyday tasks, events and initiatives.
Our students are eligible to apply for this position at the start of year 10, if they meet the criteria relating to attendance, punctuality and behaviour, and if they feel they have the qualities needed to be successful in the role.
Students complete a written application outlining their personal qualities, leadership skills and experience. Staff are also asked to nominate suitable students to support their applications. A formal interview process is carried out and then we select the Senior Prefects, who will lead their team throughout the year.
Our Prefect Team carry out a variety of duties, which include pastoral and academic mentoring, lunch duties, support of the vulnerable students and our anti-bullying system. They are leaders in our inter-form sporting events, clubs, counselling and curriculum initiatives. They also assist in the running of Parents Evenings and important school events.
The Prefect System encourages our young people to shine! It is a team of individuals who reflect our whole school commitment to providing opportunities for Leadership, which is an important life skill. They promote strong communication and teamwork as they support our larger community.
Prefect Job description
The role of Prefect is an important one and if chosen students will be accepting a position of considerable responsibility. It is also a very exciting one and will give the opportunity to develop leadership skills and have a significant influence on the daily life of the school. As such prefects are expected to perform many roles some of which are listed below.
1. Provide a role model to which other students should aspire
2. Meet the highest standards of politeness, courtesy, dress, attendance and punctuality
3. Represent the school at important events throughout the year e.g. Open Evening, New Intake days, Parents evenings, School events etc
4. Attend meetings with the Pastoral staff as appropriate
5. Help to lead promotional activities for the school, including charity events.
6. Carry out regular duties at lunch and break time as required:
7. Be proactive in assisting the smooth running of the school outside lesson times
8. Greet visitors in the school
9. To act as a specific supportive role model to allocated tutor groups and assist with the delivery of registration activities
10. Act as a buddy to students who have asked for help and support.
Students applying to be a prefect should demonstrate:
That they are a positive role model to other students with regard to effort, conduct and commitment to the ethos of the school.
High levels of maturity and initiative.
Their excellent record of attendance and punctuality.
That they are enthusiastic and highly motivated and have a good working knowledge of the school.
Their commitment to the wider life of the school and the ability to carry out the role.
That they have good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Written applications will be requested and this will form part of the selection process which will be undertaken by the Head of Year and the Director of Character Curriculum in discussion with form tutors.
Their shortlist will then be reviewed and a final selection made by the School Leadership Team.
Lift Four Dwellings Secondary believes it is important to give our students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. Everyone can get involved and take part, opportunities for leadership start in Year 7 and continue throughout the school. As students’ progress through school, they will have the opportunity to:
The role of the Lift Four Dwellings Student Council is to listen to and represent the views of all students in our school. The Student Council is keen to make a significant contribution to improving the overall achievement of students and ensure they have a rich, varied and enjoyable experience while they are here and that they are given the opportunity to express themselves, formulate arguments, represent the views of others and feedback to their peers.
How is the School Council organised and how does it work?
The student council is made up with representatives from each tutor group from Year 7 through to Year 11. Students were elected by their peers. The Student Council meets regularly to discuss and implement changes to develop and improve our school community.
The student council is committed to:
Creating a positive and inspiring school community.
Motivating students to grow as leaders.
Achieving excellence in our learning, for the best possible opportunities on our academic journey.
Leadership opportunities like these provide students with the chance to develop their decision making skills, strengthen understanding of commitment and responsibility, nurture heightened self-esteem, all arising from earning the respect of their peers and staff, as well as developing the personal, emotional and social skills to support all of our students to enable them to thrive as members of the community and succeed in the workplace.
Lift Four Dwellings Secondary,
Dwellings Lane,
Quinton, Birmingham,
B32 1RJ
Principal - Mrs C Stoneman
