On Thursday 13 February, students from across Lighthouse Schools Partnership joined together at Chew Valley School for this year's LSP Young Leaders Conference. The event saw each of the four secondary schools in the trust send a team of students to present about leadership within their setting. With close to 80 students in attendance, the atmosphere was already building in a positive manner, assisted by fabulous catering from the team at Aspens, who produced some wonderful food for the students on arrival.

Each school then took it in turns to present their themes on leadership opportunities at their school. Backwell School took the conference through their work within their recent Headteacher interviews and partnership with UWE around mobile phones. Churchill Academy and Sixth-Form focused their presentation around impact groups (including Men’s mental health and events and entertainment) and the role of their Sixth Form Council. Gordano School presented on three core issues – better school toilets; more water fountains and better quality school food. In addition, the team from Gordano School also provided information around the school publication The Griffin, with copies made available for perusal. Finally, the team from Chew Valley School spoke about the overall construction of leadership, from opportunities across the key stages with a healthy focus on the Change and Create co-curricular programme. The delivery was exceptional from each school – all students involved were inspirational in their messages, further underlining how lucky we are to work with these young people!

It was then time to hand over to the keynote speaker, Cameron Parker. Cameron holds prestige as a motivational speaker and coach, inspiring young people across the country. With a strong core of enthusiasm and full-room engagement, Cameron took the students through an hour-long session, which focused on ‘Sunday league planning’ with ‘World Cup Expectations’, explaining the need to adjust your standards to meet high expectations. He also challenged the students to think carefully about what they wanted to achieve, before asking the students to write down 5 things that you are grateful for, 5 things "I am", 5 things that you want to do in the next 5 years and 5 things that they would do over easter. This then linked back into trying to find balance and the importance of having a positive mindset. Cameron went on to explain the links between Mindset, Behaviour and Outcome. A key organisational matter was the blending of all schools into mixed groups, allowing the chance for students to interact and integrate with each other – which was wonderful to witness.

Finally, students had the chance to network, talking about their experiences and points of comparison before each school left at the end of the day.

Georgina, a Year 11 student at Chew Valley School:  "[Cameron’s session] was a really engaging session where I was able to talk to new people about things we can all relate to. It made me look at my priorities and worries through a new perspective that was much more reassuring and positive. Thank you, Cam!"

Evie, a Year 13 student at Chew Valley School: "My favourite part of the day was the integration with all the other schools as it is really interesting to speak to other people about their A Level experience."

Ben Stirling-Turner, Assistant Headteacher at Chew Valley School: “Having been involved in three conferences thus far, it was a privilege to see the work that each school is undertaking around student leadership. In fairness, it is mostly all around the students and their drive, enthusiasm and central positions as role models and inspirational figures that truly display high quality leadership in their schools. It is important to celebrate the impact that young people have within their communities and to celebrate this in the right manner. It was a fantastic afternoon and we are already looking forward to next year’s conference!”

Thank you to all those who contributed to the day, and to Chew Valley School for hosting the successful event!