School Council
An effective school council structures, which involve the whole school, offer huge benefits to both the community and the individual – here are just a few:
- Pupil councils provide a basis for active learning of important life skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork, emotional literacy, problem-solving, moral reasoning skills, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Pupil council experiences provide a dynamic foundation for learning about citizenship.
- Young people and children acquire skills which help them to become resilient to negative experiences.
- School and class councils enable pupils to have a voice and to understand that their opinions count.
What does an effective school council look like?
All pupils have the opportunity to be involved in the School Council:
- It is pupil-led
- It is part of the school’s ethos and practice
- It deals with the core issues of the school
- It makes a difference
What are the benefits of an effective school council?
- Improved relationships between pupils
- Pupils have pride in themselves and their school
- Pleasant and equitable school ethos
- Improved physical environment
- Responsible behaviour
Please note to enable this to happen, there has to be a full and active support from the Headteacher and the SLT. Integration of pupil participation into the decision-making structures of the school. This should include all aspects of school life including teaching and learning, not just the physical environment and organising events.
Our council progress so far:
- The school council is established and run every two weeks by Lee Thompson, Head of Curriculum. One pupil from each class attends; minutes forwarded to the SLT to be actioned.
- Pupils actively participate in the interviewing process of prospective employees joining the school and Residential Provision.
- School representatives attend international school council meetings at WISE.
What is next for the School Council:
- To develop the established work that has been undertaken to embed the school council, within the school and develop into the Residential Provision.
- To embed a student council within the residential setting. To ensure that minutes are taken and that the students see actions in terms of their council.
- To participate in joint ventures with the school’s council. Lee Thompson to attend residential, Nick Leng to attend school – allows for consistency in approach
Link to: School Council (meeting minutes) – 14.10.2021
Link to: School Council Minutes archive
Voice & Influence Newsletter.