West Thames College recently held its final ET+ Student Voice meeting of the academic year, bringing together students, senior leaders, governors, and staff to reflect on the student experience and help shape the future direction of the College.
Student Voice is a key part of life at West Thames College. It gives students the opportunity to share feedback, raise ideas, celebrate successes, and influence decisions that affect teaching, learning, wellbeing, enrichment, careers education, and the wider college community. Through open discussion and collaboration, students play an active role in driving positive change across the College.
The final meeting of the year highlighted the significant contribution students have made throughout the academic year, while also celebrating the confidence, leadership, communication, and teamwork skills they have developed through participation in Student Voice activities.
CEO and Principal Marta Gajewska praised the commitment and growth shown by students throughout the year.
“It requires such strength and bravery to be able to be part of this and you are doing it so well,” she said. “I’ve seen the journey from everybody this year, and it’s just amazing to see. Well done to you for developing excellent presentation skills, communication and listening, the teamworking. Well done, and thank you.”
Samantha Louisy, Director of Student Experience, reinforced the importance of Student Voice in shaping the College community and ensuring students remain at the heart of decision-making.
She said: “Through open discussions and collaborative working, students play an active role in influencing improvements across teaching and learning, wellbeing, enrichment, careers, digital innovation, and the wider student experience. These meetings ensure that student feedback remains at the heart of college decision-making, strengthening the college community while empowering students to develop confidence, leadership, communication, and teamwork.”
During the meeting, students reflected on what had helped them succeed throughout the year, highlighting supportive teaching staff, engaging lessons, inclusive classroom environments, practical learning opportunities, and positive feedback from teachers as key strengths.
Students also discussed areas for future development, including increasing practical learning opportunities, expanding enrichment activities, improving communal social spaces, and raising awareness of careers support services and progression pathways.
A major focus of the meeting was the College’s Digital Strategy Overview, presented by e-Learning Development Manager Tony Bhambra. The strategy outlined West Thames College’s vision for embedding digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology-enhanced learning across all aspects of college life.
Students also heard about plans to:
- Expand digital learning opportunities and AI-supported teaching
- Improve careers education and progression support
- Enhance student wellbeing and enrichment opportunities
- Continue strengthening safeguarding and student support services
- Improve communal student spaces to create more inclusive environments
The ET+ Student Voice meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring students remain central to shaping the future of the College.
The feedback gathered during the meeting will now help inform future planning, student support, digital development, and wider college improvement strategies as West Thames College continues to invest in innovation, inclusion, and student success.
