FEM Step 2

Understand and celebrate the student by bringing together different perspectives on their strengths, aspirations, what is important TO and FOR them, and what good support looks like.

Last updated 10 September 2026

Understanding and Celebrating the Student

Step 2 progress bar showing 20 mins completed, with a small green filled portion on a light green bar.

The facilitator invites participants to contribute their views about the student in the following areas:

a) What do we appreciate about the student?

b) What are the student’s aspirations?
The student’s thoughts, ambitions or dreams about his/her future

c) What is important TO the student now?
What the student appreciates, likes, or enjoys

d) What is important FOR the student now?
What the student ought to learn, do or acquire because it will be beneficial in helping him/her to learn, live or work

e) What does good support look like for the Student?
How the student might be effectively supported to reach his/her aspirations

Note the importance of distinguishing between what is important TO and FOR the student.

These 5 areas are typically framed as standing flipcharts around the meeting room.

Five labeled containers showing questions: Appreciate, Aspirations, Important To, Important For and Assessed Needs, and Support.

Participants may verbally express their views or write them on post-its which they paste on the respective flipcharts.

Three people stand near a board with handwritten notes titled Appreciations and Ground Rules during a workshop.

Source: Grace Orchard School (FEM at a Student's House)

Pro Tip graphic with a yellow lightbulb advising to put up contributions before the meeting starts.

What's working and what's not for the student? Gain crucial insights in Step 3.