HOME ABOUT IMPACT PRINCIPLES CASE STUDIES NEWS GET INVOLVED FAQS Voice, action, and agency │ Impact What is voice, action and agency? Youth voice is defined as ‘views of children that are actively heard and valued as a substantive contribution to decisions affecting their lives’ (1). Researchers argue that ignoring youth views may have a detrimental effect on their academic achievements, as autonomy, self-regulation and critical thinking are some of the important factors associated with academic achievements that are strengthened with considering youth voice (2). Therefore, listening to children’s views about matters which directly affect their lives becomes pertinent for their immediate academic outcomes and is also key in building skills and confidence for their future. Research evidence suggests that ignoring to consider children’s voices negatively affects their well-being, identity and development as citizens. It excludes children from the sense of belonging that they gain when they grow up and are recognised as citizens in contexts where individual views are considered important. Needless to say, bringing children’s views into mainstream activities not only helps to channel their potential but also shape their interpersonal development to grow into responsible adult citizens. This participation provides them with an opportunity to develop social networks, learn new skills and gain experience, enhance their self-confidence, and understand how organizations function making way for them to influence decisions that affect their lives. Why is it important to Ormiston Trust? Ormiston Trust believes that young people have the potential to bring transformative change to the world. Our mission is to nurture their skills, energy and ideas by helping them find their voice and utilise their agency over their lives. Ormiston Trust is actively working towards making this mission part of the school’s ongoing agenda by creating opportunities for young people to channel their agency which results in improving their overall life outcomes and building a better future by allowing students to develop solutions to the biggest challenges the world is facing today. Grant programme examples: Student councils, student surveys and consultation, social action, young people on boards, alumni programme etc. Desired Outcomes References (1) Elspeth Brooks and Jane Murray, 2016. “Ready, steady, learn: school readiness and children’s voices in English early childhood settings”. The University of Northampton. http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/8556/3/Brooks20168556.pdf (2) Lin-Siegler, Dweck, and Cohen 2016; Hu et al. 2016 cited in Elspeth Brooks and Jane Murray, 2016. “Ready, steady, learn: school readiness and children’s voices in English early childhood settings”. The University of Northampton. http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/8556/3/Brooks20168556.pdf Case Studies WOA Student Leadership Team Project Year funded: 2014/2015 Academy/Organisation: Wodensborough Ormiston Academy Area of Focus: Voice, action, engagement and agency Total amount funded to support various projects: £4000 Beneficiaries: 200 young people Read more Student Leadership Year funded: 2017/2018 Academy/Organisation: George Salter Academy Area of Focus: Voice, action, engagement and agency Total amount funded to support various projects: £2500 Beneficiaries: 100 young people Read more Local Student Voice Year funded: 2019/2020 Academy/Organisation: Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy Area of Focus: Voice, action, engagement and agency Total amount funded to support various projects: £2500 Beneficiaries: 100 young people Read more View all case studies Home About us Founded organisations Impact News Get involved FAQs Follow us on Twitter All site content: © Ormiston Trust 2021 unless otherwise stated Website design: PLMR Ltd Privacy Policy Ormiston Trust 1 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR. Tel: 0207 266 7940 Registered company no: 09648958 Registered charity no: 1164358