Plymouth Student Union
Leading the way for post 16 Plymouth Students
New student union joins four Plymouth Schools
A new union, run by the students for the students, joins four secondary schools in the city.
Plym Student Union is a collaboration between Plymouth schools, Coombe Dean, Hele’s, Plymstock and Ridgeway sixth forms.
The union, which is among the first of its kind in the UK, will enhance the post 16 experience both socially and academically as well as developing learning opportunities across the Plympton and Plymstock schools.
Following an interview process a unique team has been created to lead the union. It is the role of this team to build relationships with local businesses and source the best student opportunities available in the city. Year 12 and 13 students will be able to enhance their futures through the work of the union providing work experience, apprenticeships and other invaluable extracurricular experiences.
The Union endeavours to find the student voice and identify the needs of 6th form students and strive to help them achieve them.
The Plym SU management team has been divided into working groups each focusing on Business Development, Marketing, Events, Accountancy and the recently developed Evolve team enabling the individuals to have hands on experience in their preferred field which will contribute to their employment history.
These working groups have been paired with key business figures in the city and wider region who have provided mentoring sessions, sharing their expertise. Among the mentors the students have worked with Joedy Lawrence Director of Independent Utilities, Paul James Commercial Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Lesley Shorrocks, Director of Sigma Marketing and Jamin Lean, Branding specialist and graphic designer. All of whom have commented on the professionalism and enthusiasm of the team.
The project as a whole is in collaboration the Real Ideas Organisation Schools Service and the team also work alongside RIO’s consultants and specialists.
There is also emphasis on working with the schools’ year 11 students to ensure that the union is sustainable in the future.
James Sturt, Ridgeway Student and Strategic Business Director said,
“I wanted to be involved with Plym Student Union as I could see innumerable possibilities for a unique union like this. Having created a 12 month business plan it is clear that there is huge potential for Plym SU and a lot to look forward to. Having a diverse mix of young, passionate students bringing their ideas to the table, our union will deliver outstanding results and spread like wildfire. I take great pleasure in not only witnessing, but participating in something which will undoubtedly aid the development of the city I have known all my life. I am sure it will prove to be a most rewarding journey, and hopefully it will inspire schools and colleges in other cities to take the same initiative.”
Assistant Principal and Head of Post 16 at Hele’s School, Andrea Ayres said,
“The Plym Student Union is a unique coming together of 4 schools through their student body. Teachers from neighbouring schools are used to collaborating, but it is even more important that students can work together to create exciting new opportunities which are relevant to them. The Union adds a new dimension to learning at each of the four Sixth Forms, and we are really excited to see its impact as the young people from across this part of the city meet for educational and recreational purposes”
The team meet fortnightly and are in the process of planning and implementing an exciting programme of events and activities which will take place in the coming months.