Pupil voice
School Council at Ascot Heath Primary
What is a school council?
A school council is a group of students who have been elected to represent the views of all pupils at Ascot Heath Primary. In order to be elected the children have to prepare and deliver an election speech to their class. Then a secret ballot is held in each class.
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. 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. 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.
How does the school council work?
At the beginning of the school year each class elects one representative. These children then attend a meeting every two weeks., which is overseen by a member of staff.
How can other children raise an issue or an idea?
Each member of the school council will report back to their class and if any child has an idea then they can let their class representative know. This will then be brought to the next school council meeting.
School council roles.
Chairperson
- Help to draw up agendas
- Take the lead in meetings and make sure that all council members have a chance to say something.
- Talk to adults about what the school council thinks and its ideas for new activities.
Vice Chairperson.
- help the Chairperson to prepare the list of things (agenda) that are going to be talked about in the meeting.
- help to make sure that all council members have a chance to say something.
- run meetings if the Chairperson is away.
Secretary
- take notes (minutes) at meetings and make sure that everyone has a copy.
- make sure that everyone knows when the meetings are.
- Sometimes they may have to sign letters from the school council.