School Council

A school council is a group of students who are elected by their peers to provide a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views considered in decisions that impact upon them. 

 

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says that the opinions of children and young people should be considered when people make decisions about things that involve them. They have the right to have opinions and for their opinions to be heard and taken seriously. 

 

At St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School, we operate as a family with each individual having an important role in our school. We want our pupils to feel that their views and opinions are valued and listened to. 

 

In previous years, our School Council initiatives have been varied, with children helping to organise projects that support learning and development, such as fundraising ideas and events for the school, theme days and representing the school at outside events. They have promoted road safety, the importance of walking to school and have worked alongside the Eco Council to implement recycling across the school. 

Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for global citizenship and to be life-long learners by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities by:

Ensuring our children have:

 

• A safe, happy and fair learning environment

• A forum to voice their concerns and act upon them

• A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills

• An opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school

• An opportunity to experience a democratic process

Encouraging our pupils to develop:

• A sense of ownership over policy and practice

• A consensus over school issues such as behaviour

• A responsibility towards the school community and environment

Giving our pupils the experience of:

• Planning, organising and monitoring small projects

• Speaking and listening skills

• Debating skills

• Mediation and negotiating skills

• Basic budgeting and managing money

 

Every September, two children from each class in Key Stage 1 and 2 are elected to represent the views of our pupils, giving all of our children the opportunity to have their voices heard and be part of the whole school community. The elected School Council Representatives meet regularly with our School Council Teacher Representative (Mrs McGuinness), Headteacher and other members of staff which provides pupils with a forum to share their opinions and help to makes decisions about school life. After each School Council meeting, the representatives take ideas back to their class to discuss and vote on, so all the children have their say. Feedback is then provided by the representatives at each School Council Meeting. 

It is a very responsible job!

School Council Updates 2022-2023

September 2022