LEARN MORE ABOUT
Leadership and Enrichment
Pathways to Platinum
At Burton Borough School, we are proud to offer a wide range of leadership and enrichment opportunities that help students grow in confidence, responsibility, and character. These experiences not only support personal development but also contribute to our Pathways to Platinum programme — recognising students who go above and beyond both in and outside the classroom.
They may follow more than one throughout their 5 years at Burton Borough School. Here are just some of the key opportunities available to students throughout their time at BBS:
School Council
Our School Council is made up of elected student representatives from each year group who give students a voice and play a key role in shaping the future of our school. Council members meet regularly to discuss ideas, propose changes, and support school-wide initiatives. Being part of the School Council helps students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and active citizenship.
The School Council pathway is open to ALL year groups. The Leadership roles are voted for by students and open to Years 9 and 10 unless agreed by Miss Beaver. There are several different roles available, with job descriptions available further down this page. Students are invited to submit their application via the form below. All application forms must be accompanied by a sound bite or video recording saying what the student feels they can offer in the role. These will be played to students as part of the voting process. Leadership roles will be available in the following categories:
- Student President
- Student Vice President
- Communications Officer
- Diversity Officer
- Wellbeing Officer
- Charity Officer
Students will be given specific duties to fulfil throughout the year, including attending Governor’s meetings, liaising with Year Teams, Heads of Department and members of SLT, and presenting in Assemblies. Attendance at Schools Council Meetings will be compulsory. There will be one full Student Council meeting with Mrs Bedford and Mrs Heins per half term. Specific working party meetings will be held more regularly.
Students will receive training, which can be included on their CVs, Personal Statements and Letters of Application in the future. This training will be offered through our partnership with Newport Town Council.
As part of the wider School Council and Student Voice all tutor groups in Years 7-10 will have a Form Captain and a Vice Form Captain. These roles are voted by tutor groups. Each year group team will meet with their Head of Year once a half term and will be involved in Student Voice for their year group.
Each of these year group teams will vote for two representatives to be a part of the full student council.
Subject Leaders
Another pathway for students is through the application for Subject Leaders
Subject Leaders are students who show passion, dedication, and excellence in a particular subject area. They support learning events, help with open evenings, and serve as ambassadors for their departments.
This role is perfect for students who are enthusiastic about their subjects and want to inspire others.
This pathway is open to years 9-10. Student Subject Leaders apply to be attached to a subject of their choice. They submit an application form and are interviewed by the department they have applied for. Their responsibilities are as follows:
- Student Voice.
- Organise/ be involved in Subject Competitions.
- Represent departments at open evening.
- Mentor younger students within subjects.
- Help with displays
- Support with transition.
Sports Leader
This pathway is open to year 9 and is ideal for those with a love of sport. Students will be expected to take part in sports clubs, supporting and coaching younger students. They will also support at PE events. There is also the possibility to follow this pathway through Newport Rugby Club.
Performing Arts Champion
Students involved in Performing Arts Leadership take on roles in music, drama, and dance activities. They support rehearsals, help organise productions, and often mentor younger performers. These students demonstrate creativity, commitment, and a love for the arts — helping to bring our school’s creative life to the stage.
This pathway is open to all years and is ideal for students with a love of performing arts. Students will be expected to take part in at least two performing arts events each year and attend rehearsals weekly. Students will collect points for attending and this will gain them Bronze, Silver and Gold awards throughout the school years they follow this path.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised programme open to students in Year 9 and above. It challenges students across four key areas: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills, and Expedition. This award promotes independence, resilience, and a sense of achievement — and is highly valued by colleges, universities, and employers.
Community Pride Programme
In partnership with The Hub Newport, students can take part in a 14-week Community Pride course focused on hospitality and customer service.
Students gain practical experience, workplace skills, and nationally recognised qualifications, preparing them for future employment and opportunities in the hospitality industry.
This programme not only supports career development but also strengthens community ties and local pride.
These enrichment and leadership opportunities help students develop essential life skills, explore future careers, and become active, confident members of the school and wider community.
Platinum is a Privilege
At Burton Borough School, we believe that leadership is earned through dedication, integrity, and a commitment to our school values. Our Platinum Roles represent the highest level of student leadership — a privilege reserved for those who have demonstrated excellence across the Pathways to Platinum.
Platinum is a privilege — a formal leadership opportunity for Year 10 students who have shown consistent commitment to school life through academic effort, positive behaviour, participation in extra-curricular activities, and involvement in wider school or community initiatives. Students who achieve Platinum status are trusted representatives of the school and are expected to lead by example, inspire others, and contribute to our inclusive and ambitious school culture.
The Application Process
Students in Year 10 are invited to apply for a Platinum Role by submitting an application that evidences their involvement across the various Pathways to Platinum.
Successful applicants will then be invited to take part in a formal interview process, where they will demonstrate their readiness to take on the responsibilities and expectations of the role.
Platinum Roles
Students may apply for one of the following specialist Platinum Roles, depending on their interests and strengths:
- Internal Events – Supporting the organisation and delivery of school-wide events and celebrations.
- External Events – Representing the school at community and partnership events, including liaison with external organisations.
- Transition – Supporting Year 6 students as they prepare to join Burton Borough School, helping with open evenings and transition days.
- Nurture – Working closely with the pastoral team to support the wellbeing and inclusion of students across the school.
- Library – Promoting a love of reading, helping manage resources, and supporting the day-to-day running of the school library.
- Reading Partner – Supporting younger students in developing their reading skills through paired reading sessions.
- PE Support – Assisting in the delivery of PE lessons, extra-curricular clubs, and sporting events, acting as a role model for healthy living.
Responsibilities and Benefits
With each Platinum Role comes a set of clear responsibilities, including:
- Acting as a role model and ambassador for the school
- Supporting staff and students in the delivery of key initiatives
- Upholding and promoting the school’s core values of Ambitious, Proud, Caring
- Representing the school at internal and external events
- Maintaining high standards of behaviour, attendance, and attitude to learning
In return, Platinum students enjoy a number of privileges, such as:
- Wearing the Platinum Tie with pride
- Gaining valuable experience for future applications to college, apprenticeships, or employment
- Taking part in leadership training and development sessions
- Having a voice in shaping school life through student leadership networks
Platinum is more than a role – it’s a responsibility, a recognition, and a reward.
We encourage all eligible students to aspire to Platinum and take this next step in their leadership journey.