Why do we have a school council?
The School’s Council is an ideal opportunity for pupils to get more involved in the way the school is run; it is after all their school. We respect and value the thoughts and opinions of our children and whilst it may not always be possible or practical to do everything they suggest, the children do have some fantastic ideas and are able to accept why some ideas may not work well for the school community.
The School Council benefits the whole school, pupils and teachers, because it provides opportunities for pupils to communicate their feelings as well as influence decisions that are made within school.
Councillors develop skills such as confidence, communication and negotiation. It is the responsibility of each Councillor to ensure that they express both their own views and the views of all the other pupils they represent.
Who would make a good school councillor?
Any child in the school can stand to be a school council rep for their class. It is not a decision made by teachers. A good school councillor does need to have some of the following qualities though:
- A good listener and speaker
- A team player
- Interested to learn more about our school
- Keen to make a contribution to improving our school
- Able to represent the views of others in your year group
- Able and willing to speak to your class about the Council?
- Willing to give up some of your own time to this post
- Has lots of good ideas
- Sets a good example to others
Who can be a member of the school council?
Anyone!
Each councillor is elected by their classmates at the beginning of the school year after a short presentation explaining why they should be elected. This develops children’s understanding of one of British values: democracy. They also understand that with democracy comes responsibility.
What Do We Do?
Members of the Council take part in discussions and votes and also feedback any relevant information to their class. At times they are requested to ask their class for ideas or take class votes relating to discussions by the Council.
Members meet regularly with Ms Dee Hart to discuss ways in which they feel they can influence the school for the better. This may be ideas to improve playtimes, after school clubs, lessons or what charities they want to support through fund-raising activities.
School Council Aims
- To promote your views as pupils through discussion about issues raised by pupils and staff which affect the life of the school both in the present and the future.
- To help the people who make decisions in the school understand and be aware of your point of view.
- To give opportunity to understand and participate in democratic process.
- To encourage you to understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens in everyday life.
- To enable you to participate effectively in school and debate and address issues of concern to you in school.
- To enable you to become involved in your education with teachers, support staff and parents.
- To promote the school’s reputation in your education with teachers, support staff and parents.
- To promote the school’s reputation and to maintain the school ethos.
- To undertake projects that will improve the quality of the school
Our School Council meetings create opportunities for your views to be expressed and heard. With effective communication within school, the decisions that are made can take into account your views and ideas.
School Council Achievements
Each school site has its own specific School Council which actively influences school development and decision making processes.
- A whole school disco – this included a photo booth and DJ. This was really important to the students as they felt they had missed out in other schools at attending these events.
- Attending and participating in the Sandwell MBC SHAPE conference – our students successfully presented a proposal for funds and stood in front of other schools and professionals. This event promoted student’s self esteem and confidence.
- More outdoor learning equipment and promotion of our outdoor space – the students requested that we had more resources outside and to use the space more often. This has been promoted by the employment of 2 forest school staff and our schools partnership work with OPAL (outdoor play and learning).
- School council has influenced decisions on school uniform and the development of, a tuck shop and site specific reward systems.
- Has facilitated work undertaken with Sandwell MBC and other local partners to introduce Student Safeguarding Champions .
- Oversight and use of a school grant for the last two years to develop an aspect of the schools provision linked to the following Local Area priorities : Increasing physical activity; Promoting healthy eating; Promoting emotional health and wellbeing; Promoting healthy relationships.