A school council is group of students who are elected to represent the views of all pupils and to improve their school and make an important and positive impact on the whole school. It is run by students and supported by staff.
School councillors require certain skills, which staff will support you to develop, such as the ability to be a good listener, non-biased and a good role model. These qualities help to achieve realistic goals. School council helps children to develop further skills while reinforcing those they already have and giving them a sense of responsibility and achievement.
What do the school council do?
A school council does a number of things:
The school council meets – usually with a teacher present – to discuss and sort out problems. These may include school lunches, behaviour or ideas for fundraising events.
Members of the school council will be responsible for carrying out the ideas that have been agreed, such as planning discos, writing newspaper articles, or meeting with catering staff.
What makes a good school council?
A good school council is one that represents the views of all students and gets things done. These are some things that make a council effective:
Regular meetings
That do not go on for too long
With agendas that are kept short and interesting
With discussion that focus on action
A council that is not too big
Good communication between representatives and their class
Training for school council members
Smaller groups (subcommittees) working on specific events or issues
The school council can build up momentum and get exciting projects moving.
Issues that trouble pupils are dealt with swiftly.
A bank account or budget (however small)
Annual evaluations
Do they get anything done?
Many school councils just talk. Good school councils do get things done and examples include councils who:
Successfully campaigned to the local council and got their toilets sorted out
Re-designed the school cafeteria and lunch menu
Reduced bullying by introducing a telephone helpline for victims
Designed a new homework diary and sold over a thousand copies
Changed the school uniform from blazer and tie to comfortable sweatshirts
Progress we have made at Ormiston Latimer
We now have a school uniform
Improved school environment/facilities
Monthly Jack Petchey Awards
Rewards for good behaviour-tutor group trips out
An evolving school dinner menu
Other issues that the school council may look at
Fundraising
Lunches
Bullying
Rewards & merits
School environment/facilities
Enrichment & activities
Teaching and learning
Celebrations
Linking with parents/governors/community
Assemblies
Representing pupils on specific issues
Attendance
Events
Behaviour
Student charter
Code of conduct
Peer Mentoring
Student-Staff Relations
Budget/Finance
If you are interested in joining the school council please speak to Pat Ryan – [email protected]