At Tickhill St Mary’s CofE Primary School, we believe that children and young people have the right to be heard in decisions that affect their lives. This is supported by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which underpins the work of our School Council.

Our School Council plays a vital role in promoting pupil voice, offering leadership and development opportunities, and involving children in meaningful decision-making across the school.

How it works:

• Each year, every class elects two representatives through a confidential voting process.
• Candidates deliver speeches that link their campaign to our school learning behaviours and explain why they are suited to the role.
• Peers then vote for their chosen representatives.

What makes a good school councillor?

A good school councillor is a good listener, trustworthy, honest, helpful, committed, reliable, a sensitive speaker, a good role model, able to work well in a team, and willing to share ideas.

Council activities:

• New councillors are announced during Celebration Assembly and receive badges in their house team colours.
• The council elects officers such as chair, secretary, and treasurer.
• Meetings are held regularly, usually with a teacher present, to discuss ideas and address issues such as school lunches, behaviour, and fundraising.

Impact:

The School Council has successfully organised events like bake sales to raise funds for school improvements and assemblies for National Poetry Day, helping to develop pupils’ public speaking and presentation skills. Being part of the School Council empowers members and their peers to feel confident that their views are valued and have a real impact on school life.