The Big Ask

Welcome to The Big Ask

At The Coleshill School, we believe that every student has a voice that should be heard. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where our students can share their experiences, views, and hopes about their school.

What is The Big Ask?

The Big Ask is our means of accessing and responding to student voice based upon 15 questions. Through this initiative, we provide meaningful opportunities for our students to express themselves and know that their input is valued and will be listened to.

At The Coleshill School we have a strong commitment to student voice and this has led to many positive developments and focus areas, including better relationships across the whole-school community and improvements in both attainment and attendance.

How Can Students Participate?

There are two ways for students to get involved in The Big Ask:

• Student Voice Survey: At three intervals throughout the academic year, students will be asked to complete our student voice survey via an office forms link, allowing them to share their perspectives and experiences.
• The Big Ask Workshops: Senior Leaders, Phase Leaders, and Student Leaders will be working with groups of students in these interactive sessions, enabling them to provide more detailed responses and feedback on various aspects of school life.

Our Vision and Values in Action

At The Coleshill School, our vision and values of Work Hard, Be Kind, and Take Responsibility are at the heart of everything we do. The Big Ask aligns perfectly with these principles, as we empower our students to take an active role in shaping their educational experience and contribute to the continuous improvement of our school community.

What are the types of questions that could be asked?

1. I enjoy school.
2. I know and understand the school’s vision. (Work Hard, Be Kind, Take Responsibility)
3. I know who / where to go to in school if something is worrying me.
4. School encourages me to look after my physical health. (For example: eating a healthy diet, knowing the benefits of regular exercise, understanding the damaging effects of smoking and drinking alcohol)
5. School encourages me to look after my emotional and mental health. (For example: encouraging you to talk about any worries, managing exam stress, how to build positive relationships with others, how to manage change)
6. I take part in at least one extra-curricular activity offered in school.
7. There are a good range of extra-curricular activities to choose from.
8. I am encouraged to respect people from other backgrounds and to treat everyone equally.
9. School teaches me to have an age-appropriate understanding of relationships and sex education. Age-appropriate means: That you are taught and learn what is right for your age.
10. School provides me with information about my next steps (For example:  when moving into a new key stage, choosing future pathways & qualification routes including University, Apprenticeships, T-Levels, college settings or developing employability skills).
11. My school helps me to understand the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance, and respect.
12. I am encouraged to have good attendance and punctuality.
13. My school has clear routines and expectations for the behaviour of all pupils across all aspects of school.
14. The subjects I learn are exciting and interesting.
15. My teachers give me work that challenges me.
16. My lessons give me opportunities to demonstrate how to be an Arthur Terry Learner.
17. My teachers tell me how to make improvements to make my work better.
18. My homework links to my learning in class.
19. I know what I’m going to be learning about in my subjects each term.
20. I would recommend this school to a friend moving to the area.

Get Involved!

We encourage all of our students to participate in The Big Ask and make their voices heard. By working together, we can create an even more engaging and supportive learning environment that helps each and every student reach their full potential.

Our Big Ask (student voice survey) will take place

Week commencing:

• Monday 17th December 2024
• Monday 7th April 2025
• Monday 23rd June 2025