What is the School Council and why do we have one?

At Olton Primary we value the benefits of operating a School Council. The School Council  represents the whole school.  We feel they benefit the whole community and as a school we operate as a community. Through our School Council and class council work, it is hoped that we can develop a balance and wholeness, helping to make our community more harmonious to live in. Our School Council work will enable pupils with positive attitudes to exert a positive influence.   Everyone will benefit from the work of the School Council. It is made up of different children from Year 3 to Year 6. It is a representative group of students who have been elected by their peers and it meets to discuss ways in which everyday life and routines in school could be improved. It is the children’s voice on the decisions which affect their school lives and the development of the school. Meetings are held three times every half term where pupils review and reflect.  

To be a good School Councillor, we value someone who is:

• A good listener
• Helpful
• Committed
• Reliable
• A good role model
• Able to work in a team
• Able to share good ideas
• Able to discuss and not argue
• Respectful and values a democratic approach

What are the roles and responsibilities of the school council?

• To express both their own views and those of other children
• To communicate their feelings to adults
• To attend regular meetings
• To give up some of their personal time
• To help make positive changes
• Develop confidence and responsibility and make the most of their abilities
• Prepare them to play an active role as citizens
• Develop healthy, safer lifestyles
• Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people

• To have a “voice” and to share their opinions and ideas with others
• Have a safe, happy and fair learning environment
• Have a forum to voice their concerns and act upon them
• Have a structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills
• Gain opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school
• Gain an opportunity to experience a democratic process

Our School Council encourages 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

Our School Council gives 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

Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system.

Elections:

Class elections will be held every year so that different representatives can put forward their election speeches as well as developing the full potential of the School Council to complete tasks.  Two candidates will be elected from each class in KS2 - one male and one female.

Organisation:

• Two representatives from each KS2 class
• Link Teacher
• An agenda organised by the link teacher
• Minutes will be recorded by the children

It is a very responsible job, and School Council Members will share information with their class, and get ideas and views from pupils by talking.

Link between the School and Class Councils:

Each class will operate a class council in which issues are discussed associated with their class. If, however, an issue does occur which they feel needs to be forwarded to the School Council, then the issue will be presented to the School Council through the class representative. The School Council leads meetings with their class to hear their feedback on a termly basis.

Giving Feedback to Pupils:

Following the School Council Meeting, School Council Members speak to their class to let them know what is going on and tell the class about the issues being discussed and what is happening next.  This will encourage more children to contribute to further meetings, share worries and let members know the things which could be done to improve the school.  The school will record School Council Achievements on the school newsletter as and when appropriate.

School Council 2021/22

A huge congratulation to the children who were democratically elected to their new role.

3B – Kasper and Sasha

3L - Evie and Bazzie

3BW - Neeha and Eisa

4A- Yaseen and Shanaya

4B - Henry and Sania

4GM - Dean and Amal

5C - Eva and Harrisson

5PJ - Dinesh and Alyssia

5M - Reesha and Hasnain

6M - Medi and Zara

6W - Georgina and James

6T - Shay and Ellie.