The Students as Co-Creators Symposium is a Higher and Further Education annual event with a focus on teaching and learning excellence. This year’s symposium, which takes place on Wednesday 31 January, will see representatives from Advance HE and universities around the country deliver sessions and panel discussions.

Student co-creation is a collaborative model increasingly implemented by Higher Education institutions, which sees student input as a core element in shaping the curriculum, institutional policy, student experience, and equality, diversity and inclusion practices.

Syra Shakir, who is strategic lead on race equality at Leeds Trinity University, together with Paige Wong, will be driving the conversation on student involvement in decolonising pedagogical practice (learning and teaching), including identity and relationships, belonging, curriculum content, assessment and academic support. Syra and Paige will also be highlighting the significance of building an anti-racist university. They will conclude the day’s event by joining a panel discussion alongside experts from Advance HE and other universities around the country.

Syra Shakir said: “I’m honoured to have this opportunity to share research and practice around student co-creation and the positive impact it can have on students’ self-esteem, their confidence, and the student experience.

“Co-creation projects empower students to be ambassadors of their own wisdom and to harness their lived experiences to improve institutional practices and culture around race equality, working towards closing the awarding gap and improving student outcomes.

“Having the opportunity to deliver this session for Advance HE alongside my student, Paige, allows us to disseminate research-informed good practice insights across the higher education sector.”

Paige Wong, MA Childhood and Education student at Leeds Trinity University said: “I feel honoured to be representing my fellow students to deliver a session on a topic I am incredibly passionate about. I am grateful to Syra for affording me many opportunities to make my student voice heard.

“These conversations are important for change. Speaking up about anti-racist practice and decolonising pedagogies is important for the diversity of children wanting to succeed at university in the future, as well as for current students and staff members. These topics can pave the way for change in the fabric of universities and strive to provide equal opportunities to all.”

To find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Leeds Trinity University, please visit the website.