o   Why set up a Pupil Council

-   Pupils become partners in their own educationand make a positive contribution to the school environment and ethos

-   A Pupil Council helps to make the school community harmonious

-   Pupils learn to listen to others and recognise that recognise themselves as worthwhile individuals with a right to be heard

-   Pupils develop self-confidence, social skills and responsible behaviour towards their peers and their teachers

-   Pupils grow in self-esteem

-   Pupils learn how to co contribute to the school society and to society as a whole

o  Purposes and Aims

A Pupil Council ensures that pupils have:

a) a safe and fair learning environment

b) a forum to voice their concerns

c) a structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills

d) an opportunity to take part in the management of the school

o  A Pupil Council will encourage pupils to develop:

1     a sense of ownership over policy and practice

2    responsibility towards the school community and environment

A Pupil Council will give pupils experience of:

1      planning, organisation and monitoring small projects

2      speaking, listening and debating

3      mediation and negotiation skills

A Pupil Council will prepare pupils for CITIZENSHIP by:

o  teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school community and within the community

What makes a Pupil Council effective?

-       Regular meetings at least once a month

-       Manageable size

-      one pupil from each form group in years 8-12.

-       Democratic election of each class representative

-       Immediate report back by representative to class

-       Elected executive committee

-       Respectful climate

-       A supportive and effective link teacher

-       A supportive Principal andstaff

What are Class Councils?

-      Structured forum for discussion and decision-making

-       Means for pupils to raiseissues and concerns

-      A means for the School Council to consult all pupils

Why have Class Councils?

-      To help pupils develop responsible attitudes and better behaviour

-      Allows pupils with positive attitudes to influence others

-      Sense of belonging, listening to others,self-confidence

-       To improve pupil/teacher relationships

How do Class Councils work?

-       Pupils lead meetings

-      Conventional committee procedures are adhered to

-      Class representative takes issues toSchool Council meeting

When do Class Councils take place?

The date and time of school council meetings will be posted onthe council notice board.

The Link Teacher

-       must show commitment to theSchool Council

-       facilitates withoutdominating

-       must be willing to listenand communicate

-       train selected pupil representatives

-       attends all School Council Meetings

-       offers guidance, advice and information

-       raises School Council issues at staff meetings

-       helps to raise profile ofSchool Council

-       evaluate the development ofthe School Council

SCHOOL COUNCIL SURVEY YEAR 9 AND 10

SCHOOL COUNCIL SURVEY YEAR 11 AND 12

SURVEY RESULTS