Community Partnerships and Tiverton Town Council

Once every three months Blundell’s is invited to attend a Tiverton Town Council meeting to give a report about events at school. Two members of the Community Action Team volunteer to fulfil this role throughout the year and therefore develop a relationship with members of the Council and the Mayor of Tiverton. We now give our presentation alongside the head boy and girl from Tiverton High School who are also invited to attend.

The half-termly meetings we have with Tiverton High School allow us, amongst other things, to discuss and plan the presentation the pupils will give. They focus on the work we have done together and also a summary of events, initiatives and developments at each of our schools.

Aims

Our attendance at these meetings ensures a sustainable partnership with the Town Council and a very positive relationship with the Mayor and councillors. The Town Council are very supportive of our various initiatives and always interested to know about what is happening at Blundell’s and our partnership with Tiverton High School.

Background

Historically we have always been invited to present at Town Council meetings but before the formalised Community Partnerships role, attendance and our relationship with the Town Council had slipped. It is now very positive and productive.

Resources

The resources required include time and coordination.

Impact

The impact has been huge. Blundell’s has a much better understanding of the Town Council and its role, and they have a much better understanding of Blundell’s. Attending the meetings has strengthened our partnership with Tiverton High School and led to joint initiatives with them such as local litter pick walks. Pupils from each school have got to know each other by working together in preparing and giving the presentations. Staff have also developed stronger relationships which in in turn, has spread to other community partnership projects.

For the pupils, presenting has a huge impact on their confidence and leadership development. After their presentation, they field about 10 to 20 minutes of questions which come randomly from the councillors sat in the Council Chamber. It is great to see the pupils in action, representing their schools and themselves.

Pupil Involvement

Two members of the Blundell’s Community Action Team in Year 11 give the presentation along with the Year 11 Head Boy and Girl from THS. A team of around eight from across the years from each school meet half termly to plan joint projects.

Frequency

We are invited to present at the meetings every three months. The presentation lasts around 10 minutes followed by 10 to 20 minutes of questions. The Blundell’s Community Action Team group meet with Tiverton High School Ambassadors every half term for 1.5 hours.