Surveys
Online surveys are used as a way of gaining students’ views on a broad range of issues. They are designed using online forms and are easy to set up and analyse by staff and students. These surveys can be accessed via the intranet homepage.

Surveys should have a specific focus. Recent surveys have included ICT and anti-bullying. Surveys usually provide a large amount of quantitative (statistical) data that can give an immediate picture of the issues. However, it is important to test every two years. We commission Kirkland Rowell to carry out a survey of students’ views on a broad range of topics. The latest Kirkland Rowell survey is available here.

Student Achievement Forum
The SAF group is a loose knit group of students which are representative of all years, courses, subjects and abilities. We meet termly to give feedback on a range of topical issues. Recent themes have included catering facilities, use of registration time, keeping healthy and information sharing. Outcomes have included touch screen computers for post 16 students; changes to catering arrangements; use of text and email to communicate with students.

Peer Mentors
After the main exam period sixth form students volunteer to be peer mentors and undergo a training programme.  They are all assigned to one of the tutor groups for the next Year 10 and work closely with these students and their tutors during the transition programme, being present at most registration periods.  This work is very varied, ranging from simply showing the students where to go for each lesson, dealing with the inevitable anxieties associated with transfer or simply being a friendly fact amongst lots of new people.  This is continued beyond transition with the mentors having a base where the younger students can find them at breaks and lunchtimes, either as somewhere to go and socialise or else to find a listening ear.

Feedback from the tutors is wholly positive as they recognise how it helps the transition from the Allertonshire to here go even more smoothly. Year 10 students welcome the help and support and the peer mentors have found it very rewarding.

“The Peer Mentoring Scheme has been an extremely beneficial system in helping the younger students at the college settle in and feel secure. It has allowed us to establish stability and to give the students someone of a similar age to turn to, whether it be for a friendly chat in the corridor, or to talk about something that may be worrying them.”

Peer Mentor