The school council at Ainslie Wood is made up of two representatives from each class from Years 1-4 plus the heads and deputies of each house. We hold elections every year to decide on that years representative. This is a very exciting process. If a child wishes to become a candidate they must write a short speech telling their classmates why they would be suitable for the role. On election day each class member then secretly votes for one boy and one girl who they think will make the best representatives for their class. Votes are placed in a ballot box and then counted up and revealed to the children.
School Council meetings take place once a month. The heads and deputies of each house are trained to run the meetings themselves. They follow an agenda and children are given an opportunity to give their views and let their voices be heard. It is also an opportunity for representatives to bring to light any issues from their classmates. After each meeting the heads and deputies that led the meeting are responsible for any follow up issues; for example speaking to the caretaker if something is broken or the headteacher about a new idea.
This academic year the school council children will be trained on how to carry out Learning and Environment Walks with members of staff. We are looking forward to hearing the pupils' voices about what they think is effective within the classrooms and quads and then letting them choose areas they would like us to focus on for development.
'My role has made me more confident to help people' - Saamer, Year 3 School Council Representative