Participation in school life key to doing well, according to Stirling research

Young people encouraged to participate in how their school is run do well regardless of money or other factors, according to new research carried out by University of Stirling academics.

The report, published today by Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, interviewed pupils at seven schools with catchments in more deprived areas of Scotland, that had higher than expected exam results.

The research, conducted by University of Stirling for the Commissioner, aimed to find out if these schools were addressing pupils' participation and rights in ways that were distinctively supportive of pupil achievement and attainment.

The research found that in the seven schools, across all areas of school life, pupils had substantial opportunities to formally and informally take part in a variety of meaningful activities, to take responsibility for events, make contributions to school life, and have their views considered in matters that affected them.

Dr Greg Mannion, from the School of Education at University of Stirling said: "This research adds new and rich accounts from young people themselves to the mounting evidence for how participation through schooling is a driver for all kinds of positive outcomes. For young people in these schools, 'doing well' was clearly supported by taking part in a wide variety of activities across all of school life through which they could share in decision making with adults with whom they had respectful and supportive relationships.

"It was noticeable that in these schools in challenging circumstances, there were many opportunities for participation in all arenas of school life. Whilst young people felt schools could do more, these schools did appear to be well on the way to addressing the right of pupils to have a say in the matters that affected them as part and parcel of working to encourage learners to achieve and attain."

Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People said: "This report provides welcome evidence – significantly from young people themselves - that children's rights should not be an add on in any school, but embedded throughout.

"It demonstrates that young people value strong relationships - mutual respect and understanding - between pupils and teachers as key to helping them ‘do well’ at school regardless of their backgrounds or how much money their families have.

"My message is that a rights-based education which includes opportunities for engagement in real decision making is a good underpinning for raising achievement and attainment. You’re more likely to see pupils doing well if they have the chance to make a difference and contribute to the running of school life in meaningful ways."

The report was commissioned following a literature review, an Ipsos MORI survey and statistical analysis to by ScotCen Social Research to identify which schools to approach.

It identified that participation in school life happens in four different areas: the Formal Curriculum; Extended Curriculum; Decision making groups in the school and informal areas such as the playground and social media. 

The research adds to the academic discussion around raising attainment and significantly brings young people's voices and experiences into the debate, which is a fundamental part of the Commissioner's duties and responsibilities under the Act. 

The report and other research carried out over the past two years by the Commissioner that looks at pupil achievement and attainment, and will be discussed at a seminar on Tuesday 10 February at the University of Stirling, with academics, civil servants, educationalists and others with an interest in the subject.