Pupil Participation

Woodchurch CE Primary School believes in the importance of pupil participation and feels that it is important to listen to, respect and value the opinions and ideas of its pupils. Pupil participation means that children have a voice and have the opportunity to play an active role in decisions that affect their learning and well-being (as set out in Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The Aims of the School Council

The School Council is one way in which Woodchurch CE Primary School pupils can participate effectively in school life and contribute to the running of the school. It aims to empower them, giving them a forum for:

· discussion of issues

· negotiation

· problem-solving

· decision-making

Through the School Council, pupils can learn about their rights and responsibilities and about citizenship and the democratic process. It enables pupils to think about what is best for themselves, for others and for the wider community.

Our Councillors

Our school council is made up of 12 pupils from Year 1 to Year 6. The two councillors from Year 6 act as chairpersons and the older children buddy up with and support the younger ones. Each councillor was elected by their classmates at the start of the school year through a democratic voting process. They are responsible for listening to the views, ideas and concerns of all children in the school and for representing them by raising these at school council meetings. The staff and Senior Leadership Team support the School Council and any issues passed to them are dealt with promptly and the outcomes reported back to councillors.

How Our School Council Runs

School Council members meet fortnightly, along with the school council facilitators, Mrs Stopes and Ms Lehane. They are given time to consult with their classes before each meeting and to feed back to them afterwards. The agendas and minutes for each meeting are displayed on the School Council notice-board so that pupils can read them. Each class has a book in which pupils can write any ideas or issues.