Each year, in the summer term, each class elects a representative to serve as a school council representative for the following academic year. The representatives then meet weekly and also run weekly class council sessions during their in-class assembly time.
Brampton Primary School’s School Council is an example of the Fundamental British Value of Democracy in action and of our school’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 12 of which states: Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously.
What kind of person makes a good school council member?
- Approachable and a good listener – everyone in the class has to feel comfortable talking to the representative from their class.
- Organised – it will be the school council members’ responsibility to make sure meetings happen in their class each week during class council, to be responsible for the school folder and for reminding the teacher to complete their WoW (Walk on Wednesday) posters.
- Reliable and a team player– members of the school council are expected to consistently attend weekly meetings, meaning that they have to be willing to miss one playtime a week as part of their commitment to the school council. They need to be able to get on with a range of other people from across the school.
- Assertive – the opinions of the class are important and need to be shared with the management of the school, with the Chair of Governors and other outside agencies (e.g. school meals service) so the school council member needs to be confident that they will be able to get their point of view across and be able to follow up any action points agreed.
- Efficient – class discussions must cover a lot of issues in a short space of time so school council members need to be confident that they can ensure that they can keep their class on track during discussions.
- Fair, trustworthy and honest – everyone has the right to express a point of view and it is important that the views of everyone is expressed, not just the views of the school council member or just the school council members’ friends.
- Good communicator and role model – school councillors need to be able to work with staff and students from across the school so it is important that the school council member has good manners, is articulate and shows in their attitude that they want to help.
What are the school council’s responsibilities?
- Highlighting issues on behalf of pupils.
- Seeking solutions to issues raised.
- Collecting evidence of pupil voice regarding questions raised by both pupils and teachers and relating to school priorities.
- Promoting special events and causes (for example, Walking on Wednesday).
- Overseeing the school’s charitable and fundraising work.
2021-2022
Charity Work
At the end of the first half of the autumn term, School Council encouraged everyone to bring in a tin or packet of food to support our Harvest Appeal.
Anti-Bullying Week
The week beginning 15th November is anti-bullying week. We will be starting the week with Odd Socks Day, talking about the impact of being kind in our assembly time and finishing the wee k off by raising money for Children in Need.
Newham’s School Council Conference
On Monday 29th November 2021, school council representatives from KS2 will be attending a School Council Conference at Stratford Circus, meeting up with other school council reps from across the borough. At the event, they will be exploring:
- What makes an effective school council and councillor?
- How to express your views.
- Planning an event or campaign.
- How to stay well as a school councillor.
