Sandhurst Primary School Council
In January, our School Council representatives visited the Houses of Parliament to learn more about the democratic process and how laws and voting work in our country. They toured the House of Commons and the House of Lords, even getting to stand where the Prime Minister stands to take part in parliamentary debates. School Council also took part in a workshop all about the ‘People’s Parliament’ and had a surprise visit from our local MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby. The children had the opportunity to ask her questions about how we could improve our local area. Finally, the School Council presented their learning to the Juniors in an assembly so that everyone could learn about how the Houses of Parliament runs and how decisions in our country are made.
What is a School Council?
A school council is a group of pupils who are elected to represent the views of all pupils in the school. Their main job is to help improve the school based on everyone’s ideas and opinions.
How does our School Council work?
Elections
At the beginning of the new school year, every class elects one class representative and a deputy (in case the class rep is absent) to be on the school council.
The class rep should have a weekly meeting with the class (at a time agreed to by the class teacher) where it is their job to listen to everyone’s ideas and opinions on how to improve our school.
Sharing your view
You can also write your ideas and opinions on a piece of paper and put this in the school council ideas box outside the school library (don’t forget to get permission from your teacher to visit the box).
School Council Meetings
Each week the class rep will bring their notes from their class meeting to a smaller meeting with the other class reps from across the school. At these meetings the class reps will share the ideas and opinions of their classmates so that everyone’s voice from across the school is heard.
It is then up to the school council reps to try to use everyone’s ideas and opinions to improve our school. This might involve problem solving or even organising fun events.
In September, all elected members for school council had a team building session to get to know each other and build relationships.
How has school council already improved our school?
School Dinners
School council organised a smiley face system so that children can let the kitchen know if they enjoyed that day’s school dinner. They even took part in taste testing sessions to put together a menu that everyone would enjoy.
Peer Mediators
School council introduced peer mediators to the school and are now responsible for electing them each year.
School council have started with a bang this year organising an event to raise money for Children in need.
Do you know how many spots are on Pudsy?
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THE BIG PROJECT:
Film Event
Sandhurst Juniors hosted its first film event, which premiered films made by each class in the school. We even gave away Oscars for star performances!
The Stage
School council helped to raise funds to build a stage in the playground to be used at play and lunchtimes, thanks to the suggestions of children across the school.
Raising Money for Charity
Last year school council organised a ‘Go Dotty for Demelza’ fund raising day to raise funds for the local hospice charity. This charity was chosen thanks to votes across the school.
Well Done!
The winners of the recipe competition.
Their recipes will be added to the school menu and
they will be having a special trip to the Lewisham training kitchen.
