School Council at Seadown School

Our School Council

Seahorse Class

  • Ethan

Hammerhead Class

  • Riley

Piranha Class

  • Isla

  • Milo (representing Puffer Fish Class)

What does a School Council do?

A school council is a formal group of pupils who act as representatives of their classmates in discussing school issues with the deputy headteacher and staff. It’s a brilliant way of representing and contributing to the Pupil Voice in our school.

 

Pupils are elected to represent the views of all pupils and also to improve their school. They help to make decisions about key aspects of the school and take on projects that support the children’s learning and development such as: making improvements to the school, organising charity events, representing the school at outside events or ensuring the school is environmentally friendly. School councils are elected annually by the other children.

 

Why do we have a School Council?

 

There are lots of reasons to have a school council. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says that children and young people should have a say in decisions that affect their lives. A school council can provide a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions that impact upon them. Evidence and experience from schools all over the country shows that a school council that is supported and nurtured helps to improve many aspects of school life. It is an important and useful way for schools to provide leadership and development opportunities for their pupils.

 

Student councils are a great way for pupils to take on leadership roles, promote the voice of the student body, problem solve and impact their community. The curriculum requires that young people are provided with opportunities to participate in school and society. School councils are an excellent way in which to increase participation, teaching young people about democracy, local and global citizenship and accountability.

 

Key roles of our School Council

School council members must be able to:

1. Represent their year group at school council meetings with commitment and full attendance.

2. Report back to their class following school council meetings.

3. Believe in the importance of representing their year group’s point of view (even if they do not agree with it themselves.)

4. Initiate discussion and debate with fellow student representatives and understand the importance of teamwork.

5. Understand that as a school council representative, they have the obligation to participate in making decisions about the school, along with staff and school governors.