Citizenship

Following its inception as part of Immanuel College’s new student leadership programme, the Citizenship Committee has found itself being incredibly busy. This small group of primarily year 9 students have grasped the nettle and found themselves at the heart of many activities, both related to the student body and, more often, external organisations and people, acting as representatives of the wider college.

Indeed, when on 4th July the Committee participated in the Citizens UK (Bradford Chapter) meeting with former Children’s Commissioner, Baroness Anne Longfield, the Citizenship Committee represented not only Immanuel College but also the wider Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust. Putting forth their views and testimonies from the wider trust on the subject of racial justice and equity in education, the Committee were worthy representatives and have been invited to make further representations in bringing wholesale change to education and racial equity.

The Committee represented the college as part of the BDAT Parliament on 10th July, at Bradford City Hall. There, they participated in panel discussions with people in power, from the Trust CEO, Carol Dewhirst, to Charles Dacre from the Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, making their views known and shaping future policy.

Some time ago, the Committee represented Immanuel College in the Relationships Reset conference led by BDAT, attempting to change attitudes to relationships, tacking issues of sexual harassment, and attempting to shape the policy of decision-makers across the country, including metropolitan mayors and ministers of state.

In school, the Committee has led student assemblies promoting the importance of voting, considering likely future changes, and has hosted head teacher Mr Mulligan as they have considered the changes they would like to see in school.

In their first year, the Committee have achieved much.

Lord Mayor Visit

On 6th February, students from our citizenship committee and student voice visited the Lord Mayor of Bradford at City Hall and had the opportunity to ask questions of the most senior local politician. Cllr Beverley Mullaney entertained the delegation, led by chair of governors Mrs Denise Sterling and Mr Wilson, in the Lord Mayor's Chambers. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to find their voice and ask questions of a person who is in power - developing their involvement in the wider world beyond school. Students also participated in a tour of City Hall, taking full advantage of the chance to sit in the council chamber and the former court in the bowels of the building, as they developed their knowledge of local democratic institutions. We are most grateful to the Lord Mayor for providing us with this fantastic opportunity, and for giving us further chances to participate in democratic exercises in the future.