Our School Council
Aims
Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for British Citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities. Being a part of the council is a very responsible job. Members will agree decisions, share information with and get ideas and views from pupils by always being friendly, approachable and caring to others .
Our School Council aims to ensure our children have:
- A safe, happy, attractive 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 and fund-raising events
- Speaking and listening skills
- Debating skills
- Mediation and negotiating skills
- Basic budgeting and managing money
Elections
Elections take place every year so that different pupils get to benefit from the experience. Representatives put forward their election speeches and anonymous votes are cast. Candidates will be elected from Y2 onwards.
Organisation
- Year group representatives from Y2+
- Y6 House Captains
- Lead Teacher to organise agenda and take minutes
Running the School Council Meetings
The Lead Teacher will ensure someone takes notes during the meeting and the notes should assist the feedback given to rest of the school in the next available assembly.
At the end of the School Council’s meeting, everyone needs to know what they have to do next. The lead teacher needs to make sure actions are clearly outlined and assigned. Minutes are then displayed on the school website and School Council Noticeboard.
Giving Feedback to Pupils
Following the School Council Meeting, School Council Members speak in assembly to let them know what is going on and tell the school 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 and celebrate School Council Achievements on the school newsletter, social media, website and on the SC noticeboard as and when appropriate.
Wider Role
As well as participating in meetings, councillors may be asked to fulfil additional roles such as special event reminders in assembly, showing visitors around school or questioning potential candidates in recruitment processes.
