Learners at Lewisham College held the first student conference in May, bringing together representatives of the learner body and ambassadors to discuss important topics, including the learner experience at the College.
The initial conference provided learners with the opportunity to meet and introduce themselves to course representatives and ambassadors. The discussion centred around the role reps have within their classes and the responsibilities that come with the position. The learners also spoke about the challenges they have faced so far, and the skills required to be an effective representative. Each conference member put forward what they had been actively doing for their class, such as chairing meetings or helping raise money for charity.
The Students Union elections held at the end of May was also a key talking point with learners having the opportunity to campaign for roles in the union such as the President and Vice President positions.
Gerard Garvey, Principal of Lewisham College, said: “I am very pleased to see the first student conference take place. These meetings provide our learners with a forum in which they can engage in open and constructive conversations about their experience at Lewisham College.
“The student representatives and ambassadors are vitally important in ensuring that we can deliver an excellent and ever-improving learning experience."
Monica Oliveira Neto Silva, a student representative for the ESOL programme, commented: “As a student representative, I have regular conversations with my classmates about their progress, what they expect from the teaching staff, the College, and what we can do to help them. We have group discussions on our breaks where classmates can raise important topics and discuss resolutions.”
Being a student representative allows learners to develop transferable skills they can take forward into the workplace or university. For more information on the enrichment activities and support available for learners at Lewisham College, visit lewisham.ac.uk/learner-support/enrichment-and-student-union
