Bringing together student leaders from across the 25 GDST schools, the council serves as a vital platform for sharing ideas and shaping the future of the Trust’s wider community.

The morning session focused on a topic at the forefront of every student’s mind: the link between wellbeing and academic pressure. The council worked closely with expert Katherine Radice, who is currently researching how parents and teachers can best support students during the exam season.

Amelia and her peers weren’t just listeners; they were active contributors to Katherine’s upcoming book. Amelia noted:

“We did a workshop where we had to share our coping mechanisms so that she could have a student input into her book. I think being on the council will help grow my confidence massively… through either leading a discussion or inputting my voice and listening to others.”

The students also collaborated with the GDST marketing team, sharing their personal advice on navigating exam stress to help support their peers across the country.

The afternoon took a creative turn with Kath Lovett from the Trust Leadership Consultancy. Using Lego to facilitate serious conversation, students explored leadership styles and core values.

The exercise challenged students to use the bricks to express their individual qualities, emphasizing the importance of creative communication in effective leadership.

For Amelia, the opportunity was about more than just a day in London; it was about building bridges between schools. To secure her spot, Amelia underwent a rigorous application process, including a written proposal and an interview with Mrs Packer.

We look forward to seeing Amelia bring these fresh perspectives back to our own school council here at Norwich High.