We value the benefits of operating a School Council. The School Council represents the whole school. We feel they benefit the whole community and as a school we operate as a community.
Our School Council aims to ensure our children have
- A safe, happy and fair learning environment
- A forum to voice their concerns and act upon them
- A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills
- An opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school
- An opportunity to experience a democratic process
Our School Council should encourage pupils to develop
- A sense of ownership over policy and practice
- A consensus over school issues such as behaviour
- A responsibility towards the school community and environment
Our School Council should give pupils the experience of
- Planning, organising and monitoring small projects
- Speaking and listening skills
- Debating skills
- Mediation and negotiating skills
- Basic budgeting and managing money
Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system.
Elections
Class elections will be held every year so that different representatives can put forward their election speeches as well as developing the full potential of the School Council to complete tasks. Two candidates will be elected from each year group.
It is a very responsible job, and School Council Members will share information with their class, and get ideas and views from pupils by talking.
Giving Feedback to Pupils
Following the School Council Meeting, School Council Members speak to their class to let them know what is going on and tell the class about the issues being discussed and what is happening next. This will encourage more children to contribute to further meetings, share worries and let members know the things which could be done to improve the school. The school will record School Council Achievements on the school newsletter as and when appropriate.
Our School Council is made up of two representatives from each year group from Year 1 to Year 6. The purpose of the School Council is to gather new ideas by consulting classes on things that will affect them in school e.g events such as raising money for charity and how to make the school environment even better.
Each class votes for their School Council representative. Their role is to discuss ideas with their class and take responsibility for bringing them back to the School Council Meetings. After meetings, the School Council members need to report back to their class.
School Council members need to be prepared to talk in a group, be a good listener, share ideas and be organised.