Sector leading politics at Ysgol Dinas Brân, Llangollen

We have always valued the student voice at Ysgol Dinas Brân (YDB), with a multi award-winning Student Council and Eco Council at the centre of our efforts to empower our students to become confident future leaders when they leave education. We have made sure that the student council has had its voice heard, with students sitting on our board of governors and also being involved in Denbighshire County Council forums.

Rocio Cifuentes the Children’s Commissioner for Wales recognised the active nature of our student voice through our use of digital questionnaires and then she visited YDB presenting to our students in an assembly. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales then sat down with our student council members to get their views on the issues facing young people in Wales and what they think government can do to help support young people to help them achieve their potential.

We have worked closely with the Politics Project to produce an outstanding programme which has given year 12 students a virtual question time with Darren Millar Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and the Year 13s interviewed Rhun Ap Iorweth Leader of Plaid Cymru and now Wales First Minister. We have also welcomed visits from former First Minister Mark Drakeford, Llr Gruffyrdd and Ken Skates for issues relating to youth transport and Cymraeg.

Ysgol Dinas Brân staff and students organised a Hustings Event before Easter with 6 candidates standing in the Senedd election from a range of parties for a two-hour question time for our year 11,12 and 13 students including help with voter registration. Questions were formed by the student body, and the event was run by a dedicated team comprising of staff, year 12 History students and members of the student council.

The year 7 students have as part of their history project on the role of the Senedd have conducted a class election by created their own parties with logo’s, names and a manifesto and then they voted and elected their part of choice.

It has been another exciting year for the YDB student voice with a huge range of outstanding opportunities and real-world experiences! Da Iawn YDB!