Implementation:

Through CoPS and PCoPS, we encourage students to sit in the driving seat, to speak out and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions; students then work together to find solutions to the issues they face, share conversations and resources to assist and support one another in their actions. This all leads to improvement in their own educational experience and that of other students in Portsmouth, as well as the future students of these establishments.

 

We believe young people have the capacity and potential to be problem-solvers and leaders in innovation and creativity; this is why CoPS is designed to provide students across the city of Portsmouth with the platform for their voices to be heard, with opportunities to work collaboratively with other students from different institutions in shaping their experience, and enabling them to play an active role in bringing about change which will affect all young people. Thanks to CoPS, more students across Portsmouth are empowered to have their say, both independently and collectively.

 

Impact:

Council of Portsmouth Students (CoPS) 24/25

Interview with: Amelia Jones – Trafalgar School: Chairperson of Council of Portsmouth Students 2024/25

Amelia is a great example of someone who joined the Unloc Family with CoPS back in November 2023 and has since got involved with many other Unloc opportunities, including a second year of CoPS, the Portsmouth Youth Cabinet, and other programmes available to grow her Leadership skills. Her heavy involvement in these programmes means she exceeds the confidence and experience of other young people her age.

How did you get involved in the project/programme initially (and when)?

In November 2023 the Link Teacher at Trafalgar School spoke at Year Group assembly about Student Voice and getting your voice heard

I ran for a Vice-Chair role and gained a Vice-Leader role for Action Group – I was initially disappointed, but valued the experience of still being in the Executive Committee and planning summits and meetings

What skills have you developed from being part of this programme?

I’ve learnt more about delegation, teamwork , communication, minute-taking, problem-solving and time-management.

But the most developed has been my Public Speaking – initially I came across as quite shy (but it was more likely lack of confidence in self)  but over the two years, I’ve seen so  much  personal development and I am now able to easily present and publicly speak as and when necessary

In what ways do you think you have grown as a person since taking part in this programme? Has your confidence grown and if so, how?

I’ve gained skills, implemented these into daily life and am now confident and outgoing

What did you gain or learn from being involved in this programme and how has this impacted your personal or academic life?

Interviewing Sir Ben Ainslee at Shaping Portsmouth Conference 2025

If you’d told my past self she had done this, she would’ve laughed in your face and wouldn’t have believed it! I didn’t appear nervous beforehand, I took it in my stride.

Also gaining life long friends from CoPS programmes at other schools.

What might the long term impact of this project/programme be for you?

1. 1. Change – not just in myself, but in everyone else’s passion and driving forward.
   2. Ripple effect – empowering young people to drive change
   3. ‘This is our future – it must be flexible, inclusive, and aligned with the voices of those it affects most’ – powerful quote written for CoPS Mission Statement 
2. What do you hope to achieve in the next few years as a result of taking part in this programme?
   1. For college and university applications it looks good on CV: a talking point in interviews and I guess I could have involvement in College/Uni Student Union