Pupil participation: comments from a case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to describe a small case study which aimed to unravel the complexity of pupil participation in secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary school in the south of England was selected as the case. Four group interviews, one individual interview and collection of relevant Healthy School documents provided data from which to begin to understand the mechanism, context and outcome of pupil participation in the case school.

Findings

The paper attempts to illuminate the theoretical underpinning for pupil participation with comments made by staff and pupils from the case study school. The mechanisms of participation are discussed briefly; however, it is recognised that individual schools will select initiatives according to their preference. Tentative evidence of a positive outcome for pupils who participate in school decision making is revealed. By exploring the context, or conditions, under which involvement occurs possible strategies for effective pupil participation are elicited.

Practical implications

The paper offers a framework for effective pupil participation.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to go some way towards illuminating the theory and practice of effective pupil participation.

Citation

Wilson, L. (2009), "Pupil participation: comments from a case study", Health Education, Vol. 109 No. 1, pp. 86-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280910923390