Student Leadership
When students move on from St Columba’s College, the ultimate aim is for them to leave people and places better than they find them.
Mentoring Programme
The school trains a group of Sixth Form students in a Mentoring Programme, using their training and experience to help younger students with a variety of pastoral issues. This is a great honour and the students work closely with the respective subject leader to promote and foster a passion for the subject in younger pupils.
Buddying Programme
At St Columba’s we prioritise building strong support systems through our buddy programs, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie across all age groups. In the Prep School, Prep 6 pupils are paired with new students in both the Upper and Lower Prep, guiding them through the school’s routines and helping them settle in. Various activities and collaborative competitions are organised to strengthen the bond between buddies, creating opportunities for shared playtime and friendship.
Additionally, each Sixth Form student acts as ‘Buddy’ to a student in Form 1 or 2. The primary aims of the Buddying Programme are to encourage links with the wider College community and to allow students to act as role models, providing friendship, advice and support to younger children. Students are encouraged to meet informally with their ‘Buddy’ during break and lunchtimes, in addition to the formal slots allocated as part of the Pastoral Programme.
Student Voice
We are very proud of our Student Voice group, which meets every few weeks throughout the academic year and comprises of a representative from each form group, so totalling over forty students. Sixth Formers chair the group and, together with key members of staff, set up discussions of topics pertinent to school life. Feedback is collated and shared with the Senior Leaders of the College, who work to implement suggestions wherever possible. In this way, students see that their input is valued and used to shape the College.
Prefects
From Prep to the Sixth Form, our school fosters a culture of responsibility and leadership through our prefect system. In Prep 6, selected pupils are appointed as Prefects, undertaking special duties during break times and school events, assisting staff and contributing to the smooth running of the school. Led by the Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy, the Prefect team includes the Head Chorister, Sacristan, House Captains, and Vice Captains, who take on various roles within their respective areas of expertise.
In the Senior School, the Senior Prefect team comprises the Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boys, Deputy Head Girls, and House Captains, guiding the prefects and overseeing important tasks such as coordinating the Student Council, charity initiatives, and maintaining connections with alumni and the Prep School.
Charity & Fundraising
St Columba’s has had a dynamic partnership with CAFOD over many years, including many guest speaker visits, environmental campaigns and innovative fundraising projects. The CAFOD Young Leaders are a prestigious group of Sixth Form leaders who raise awareness of CAFOD campaigns and implement fun events, such as the annual Bake Off and Simple Meal. Leaders attend training days with other Sixth Formers in the diocese who have the same desire to work for social justice. St Columba’s has hosted training days on behalf of CAFOD.
