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Student Led Conferences

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 At Brisbane State High School, students learn best when they understand themselves as learners and take genuine ownership of their progress.  We foster this by providing all students opportunities to become assessment-capable learners and through a gradual release model that supports students in becoming leaders of their own learning.  As part of our continued commitment to meaningful student growth and strong home–school partnerships, we are pleased to share that Brisbane State High School will be transitioning from traditional parent–teacher interviews to a Student-Led Conferences.​

Wh​​y? 

Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) create the conditions for student ownership by fostering a clear and shared understanding of each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Unlike traditional parent–teacher interviews, SLCs place the student at the centre, empowering them to confidently articulate their learning journey and identify meaningful next steps to further support personal best goals.  

Student Led Conferences directly align with our school Annual Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan by strengthening student agency, enhancing teachers’ repertoire in student management and support, and deepening our partnerships with families. By engaging students, teachers, and parents/caregivers in purposeful, collaborative reflection, we build a more inclusive, accountable, and effective pathway to improving student achievement and wellbeing.  ​

The Role of the Stude​​nt Led Conference Coach: 

All students will be allocated a Student Led Coach. The Coach will:  

  • Strengthen student agency, by supporting each student’s holistic growth at Brisbane State High School across all core areas of school life.    

  • Build trusting, supportive relationships while maintaining high expectations, balancing strong care with appropriate challenge to promote reflection, resilience, and growth.

  • Through intentional rapport-building and genuine personal regard, they will create a safe environment where students can discuss mistakes, celebrate achievements, and set meaningful goals aligned with the school’s core values of Learning, Excellence, Respect, and Public Education.   

Th​e Structu​​re of the Student Led Conference: 

All students will participate.  This ensures equity and reinforces that every learner benefits from reflection and goal setting.  Student-Led Conferences (one SLC in semester 1 and one SLC in semester 2) will replace traditional parent–teacher interviews and interim report cards for term 1 and 3. 

Each conference will follow a structured format to ensure it is meaningful and focused. Students will prepare in advance by: 

  • Completing a student profile which provides a holistic reflection of their learning, engagement, wellbeing, and goals.

  • Reflecting on achievements and challenges 

  • Identifying learning strategies that are working 

  • Setting specific academic and/or personal goals

  • Preparing to discuss next steps 


Year Level Student Profiles:

The Role o​f the Student

Students will lead the majority of the conference. Their responsibilities include: 

  • Ensuring that their SLC portfolio is completed prior to the SLC and (electronic copy) is brought (on iPad) on the SLC day. 
  • Attend the SLC (in person) along with a parent/carer (in person). 
  • During SLC discuss - strengths and growth areas.  Reflect honestly on effort and engagement.  Share their completed profile, select examples of their learning and explain demonstrated progress 
  • Identify specific goals and strategies for improvement. 

The Role of Par​ents and Guardians 

Your role in this process is both supportive and valuable. During the conference, we encourage you to: 

  • Listen actively and attentively 
  • Ask open-ended questions (e.g., “What helped you succeed in this task?” or “What strategy will you try next?”) 
  • Acknowledge effort and progress 
  • Encourage realistic, measurable goals 
  • Reinforce responsibility and follow-through 

Your presence, encouragement and engagement significantly strengthens the impact of this experience. ​

Semester Two 20​26, SLC: 

The Semester Two conference, on Monday 12 October 2026, is particularly significant. It provides students with the opportunity to look back across the year and make their progress visible.  Not simply what they have achieved, but how they have grown as a learner, the challenges they have navigated, the strategies that have supported them and the progress they can demonstrate.  It is also a time to look forward.  Students will share their next steps, goals and aspirations for the year ahead, considering the opportunities, skills and actions that will help them continue to grow.

 

Booking your student/s semester two Student Led Conference:

Monday 12 October 2026 is the semester one Student Led Conference for all students.  On this day, there will be no usual timetable classes.  Students and a parent/carer will attend school for their scheduled SLC time on this day.  All SLC will occur on campus, and the expectation is for all students and a parent/carer to attend in person.   

Student Led Conferences can be booked by using the unique SOBS email that will be sent to your email account.  Please remember to check your inbox and junk/spam folder.  Appointment times will depend on the availability of the SLC Coach.  

If you wish to contact to the school regarding Student-Led Conferences, thank you for emailing – studentledconference@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au  ​​

Reso​​urc​​es For Additional Research

Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle
Understanding Generation Alpha - https://mccrindle.com.au/article/topic/generation-alpha/generation-alpha-defined/
Department of Education Research and Evidence paper​​

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Last reviewed 02 September 2026
Last updated 02 September 2026