Student Leadership Journey

Recognising student success, leadership and community contribution is central to our ethos of developing happy, confident ‘Gilberdians’. We are determined to ensure that our students leave school not only with outstanding academic outcomes, but also with the leadership qualities for a successful future. We believe strongly that the most effective reward comes from being recognised for one’s achievements and contributing in a positive way. Our awards and leadership structure reflects our core aims. Our leadership programme has become an integral part of school life at The Gilberd School and showcases students’ Leadership journey through their school career. This unique experience gives students the opportunity to build a record of achievement to support their Post 16 applications.

Student Leadership Opportunities 

What is the Gilberd Way Award 

The Gilberd School does not have a traditional rewards system. We are clear that the most important reward a student can receive is recognition for their engagement and their endeavour. Excelling is a by-product of these attributes. The Gilberd Way Awards have therefore been designed to guide students on a leadership career in readiness for the competitive world that awaits them in the future.

Ultimately, the collective GWA application forms students accrue from Years 7-10 will form the basis of their personal statement in Year 10 and 11.

Further information can be found in the Awards and Leadership Prospectus on our school website. How do ‘Gilberdians’ achieve their Gilberd Way Awards?

There are three strands to The Gilberd Way Awards

For applications to be considered all students must have:

Engage 

·         Attendance above 95% (unless evidenced medical reasons prevent this)
·         Average homework and learner profiles
·         Number of House Crests
·         A record of service to the school community and co-curricular activities Evidence of contribution to the local community

Endeavour 

At The Gilberd School, endeavour means striving to become the very best version of ourselves by embracing challenges and stepping beyond our comfort zones, examples are taking on new responsibilities, working hard on ambitious projects, and developing skills. Whether mastering a tricky topic, presenting confidently for the first time, representing your house or team, or pushing yourself in creative, academic, or sporting pursuits, demonstrating resilience and pride in your achievements. Through each effort, big or small, students will grow not only in knowledge but in confidence, independence, and character showing what it truly means to endeavour.

Excel

At The Gilberd School, to excel means using your talents to make a positive difference within our community, examples showing dedication through acts of service volunteering your time to support school events, guiding families during prospective parents’ evening and acting as reassuring, enthusiastic ambassadors for the school. Many students may have taken on leadership roles during tutor time, running activities, supporting peers, and helping to create a welcoming, purposeful atmosphere. Others may have stepped up to lead assemblies, sharing important messages and inspiring their year groups with confidence and maturity. Through these contributions, students will demonstrated kindness, responsibility, and pride in helping others—showing that excellence is not just about achievement, but about the impact we have on our school community.

The Gilberd Way is a set of statements that encapsulate our values and ethos. We believe that these values are the basis of successful and well-rounded young people; our awards culture is based closely on the demonstration of these values by students in their daily conduct. Most importantly, our awards recognise students’ contribution to the wider school community.

This most important aspect of our awards system has been designed to guide students on a leadership career in readiness for the competitive world that awaits them in the future. The awards recognise students for their efforts to improve both themselves and the school through progress in lessons and positive contributions to their community.

For each tier of Gilberd Way Award, students must demonstrate that they have conducted themselves a productive, polite and helpful manner as evidenced by house crests and the observations of staff and prefects. Students must also evidence how they have contributed to the school or wider community. This may include holding positions of responsibility, participating in school events/clubs or competitive sports and music.

There are 3 awards in total, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Bronze Award

Awarded end of Year 7
(applications from Years 8-11 also considered)

Silver Award 

Awarded end of Year 8 (applications from Years 9-11 also considered)

The Silver Award is awarded for continued good effort and commitment to the school and local community throughout Year 8. Gold Award Awarded end of Year 9 (applications from Years 10 & 11 also considered) The Silver Award is awarded for continued good effort and commitment to the school and local community throughout Year 8

Gold Award

Awarded end of Year 9 (applications from Years 10 & 11 also considered) The Silver Award is awarded for continued good effort and commitment to the school and local community throughout Year 8

Once a student has achieved all 3 pips they attain ‘Trusted Status’ and can be considered for the role of Senior Prefect in the Autumn term of Year 10. Senior Prefect appointments are made following a month-long probationary period. Students who are unsuccessful on their first application for any award will have the opportunity to apply outside of the normal cycle. This means there are opportunities for students to make changes and gain recognition for their improvement.

Once a student has achieved all 3 pips they attain ‘Trusted Status’ and can be considered for the role of Senior Prefect in the Autumn term of Year. 10.

Prefect appointments are made following a month-long probationary period. Students who are unsuccessful on their first application for any award will have the opportunity to apply outside of the normal cycle. This means there are opportunities for students to make changes and gain recognition for their improvement.

Prefect 

At The Gilberd School, Prefects (Years 9-11) play a vital role in supporting the school community by demonstrating leadership, responsibility and integrity. Duties include running workshops to guide younger students as they apply for their own leadership roles, offering encouragement, practical advice and positive role modelling. Prefects also help maintain a calm and safe environment by carrying out lunchtime duties, providing support where needed and helping to uphold school expectations. In addition, they assist at key school events—welcoming visitors, helping staff, and ensuring activities run smoothly. Through their conduct, commitment and willingness to serve, Prefects set an example for all students, showing what it means to lead with maturity, kindness and pride. To become a Prefect students must complete an online application which demonstrates their dedication in supporting the school community.

House Captains/Deputy House Captains 

At The Gilberd School, House Captains and Deputy House Captains (Year 9-10) are key student leaders who work to inspire pride, teamwork and friendly competition within their Houses. They take the lead in planning, organising and running interhouse competitions for all year groups, with a particular focus on Challenge Cup events for Years 7 and 8. From coordinating teams to designing activities and encouraging participation, they play an essential role in making House events exciting, inclusive and memorable. Beyond competitions, House Captains and Deputies promote a strong sense of belonging by celebrating achievements, motivating their peers and representing their House with enthusiasm and integrity. Through their leadership, communication and commitment, they help strengthen the House system and create a vibrant, supportive school community. To become a House Captain, Year 9 students must complete an online application. They may then be selected for the second stage of application - a team ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation and then short listed for the final stage – the interview with incumbent House Captains.

Sports Captains/Deputy Sports Captains 

At The Gilberd School, Sports Captains and Deputy Sports Captains play a key role in promoting participation, teamwork and enthusiasm across all sporting activities. Throughout the year, they support PE staff by encouraging students to get involved in clubs, teams and interhouse events, helping to build a positive and active school culture. Their leadership is especially important during the annual Sports Day, where they motivate competitors, assist with the smooth running of events and help ensure every student feels confident to take part. By celebrating effort as well as achievement, they inspire others to try their best, demonstrate fairness and sportsmanship, and take pride in representing their House. Through their energy, commitment and encouragement, Sports Captains and Deputies help create an inclusive, spirited and enjoyable sporting environment for all. To become a Sport Captain, students must write a letter of interest to the PE Department and then will lead an activity during a PE lesson to demonstrate their leadership qualities.

Senior Students 

During the Autumn Term of Year 10 running alongside the Senior Prefect/Mentor application process is our Senior Student application process. Students write a letter to the Headteacher to express their interest in being Head Boy/Girl (Phase 1).  Students are initially interviewed by a member of staff (Phase 2) and shortlisted to progress onto t Phase (3) of the process which is a student lead ‘Apprentice’ activity ending in a panel presentation. Phase (4) of the process students are invited to a formal interview with a panel of Senior Staff and students.

House Crests

The basic unit of merit at The Gilberd School is the CREST. CRESTs are allocated automatically so that 5 are accumulated per day (1 per lesson) for being:

·         Committed to learning
·         Respectful of others
·         Equipped to learn
·         Smartly dressed
·         Timely on arrival

If students meet the five basic expectations above, they will be allocated a House Crest.  If a student does not meet these five expectations, one of their House Crest will be removed. A short conversation is expected to take place between the student and the staff member to discuss the reasons for this. This is a ‘de-merit system’ and ensures an equitable allocation for students who follow our basic expectations. It also offers transparency of removal for those who do not. If a student displays commitment to learning that goes above and beyond these basic requirements, they may be allocated a House Crests. The purpose of both the House Crests and Extra-House Crests is to focus students on developing an intrinsic motivation to learn, not a dependency on extrinsic praise or reward. House Crests and Extra-House Crests are used as evidence by students when applying for the Gilberd Way Awards. They are not an award or reward in themselves.

The School Council 

Chairs  -  The Head Boy and Head Girl

Executive members  - The Senior Students  

Appointed Members

·         House Captains
·         Secretary
·         Bursar

Elected Members

Year Council Representatives (5 in total representing 120 Form Representatives)
Teaching and Learning Leaders (5 in total representing each year group)

Year Councils

·         1 House Captain/2 Deputy House Captains
·         2 Sports Captain/ 2 Deputy Sports Captains
·         24 Form Representatives (2 from each form class)
·         1 School Council Representative elected from the Form Representatives
·         1 Deputy School Council Representative elected from the Form Representatives

Teaching and Learning Leaders

·         2 Representatives from each form class
·         1 School Council Representative from each year group
·         1 Deputy School Council Representative from each year group