The Role of the School Council
At our school, the School Council plays a vital role in giving pupils a voice. It is made up of:
- A Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary who are from Year 6 and elected by the whole school community
- Two elected representatives from each class
The school council meet regularly to discuss ideas, raise concerns, and work on projects that improve school life for everyone.
What Does the School Council Do?
- Represents Pupils' Views: Council members listen to their class and bring their ideas and suggestions to meetings.
- Promotes Responsibility and Leadership: Being part of the council teaches students about teamwork, decision-making, and active citizenship.
- Supports School Initiatives: The council often helps with fundraising, charity events, and awareness campaigns.
Who Can Join?
Each class votes for their representatives at the start of the school year.
All Year 6 are encouraged to take part in the election process and consider standing for a position if they want to make a difference.
Why does It Matter?
The School Council empowers students to take ownership of their school experience. It helps build confidence, encourages respectful dialogue, and fosters a sense of community and belonging.
The Role of the Chair of the School Council
The Chair of the School Council is a key leadership role, responsible for guiding the council and ensuring that meetings are productive, inclusive, and focused. The Chair serves as the main spokesperson for the group.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Meetings: The Chair sets the agenda (with support from staff), opens and closes meetings, and ensures everyone has a chance to speak.
- Encourage Participation: They help create a respectful and welcoming environment where all members feel confident to share ideas.
- Represent the Council: The Chair may speak at school events and meet with school leaders.
The Role of the School Council Vice Chair
The Vice Chair supports the Chair and helps lead the School Council. This role is important for keeping the council running smoothly and stepping in when the Chair is unavailable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Chair: The Vice Chair helps plan meetings, prepare agendas, and assist with leading discussions.
- Step In When Needed: If the Chair is absent, the Vice Chair takes over their duties to ensure the meeting still goes ahead.
- Encourage Teamwork: They help make sure all members feel included and that everyone’s ideas are heard.
The Role of the School Council Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for keeping the School Council organised and making sure important information is recorded and shared. This role is perfect for someone who is organised, a good listener, and enjoys writing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take Meeting Notes: The Secretary writes down what is discussed and decided during each meeting (these are called minutes).
- Keep Records: They help keep track of attendance, votes, and action points from meetings.
- Share Information: The Secretary may help write newsletters, update notice boards, or share meeting notes with the rest of the school.
The Role of the School Council Treasurer
The Treasurer is in charge of managing the School Council’s money. This role is important for keeping track of how much money the council has, how it’s spent, and helping to plan fundraising activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Keep Financial Records: The Treasurer keeps a simple record of all money coming in and going out.