Young Wrexham

School Councils/Pupil Participation

An important right outlined in the UNCRC says young people have a right to have a say in things that affect them and that they should be listened to and respected when decisions are made.

The Welsh Assembly Government has introduced School Councils as one way of making sure young people have a say in what goes on in their school and in their education. It is compulsory for all primary, secondary and special schools in Wales to have a School Council.

The term Pupil Participation is used to describe young people taking an active role in their schools, whether that is as an elected member of their School Council or in the wider sense of raising issues and suggesting improvements.

Becoming active in your school or with your School Council can benefit you personally as well as other pupils in the school.

You will get valuable experience in working with others, debating issues, making decisions and presenting ideas which will help you build up your key skills. These skills and experience are also valued by colleges, universities and potential employers.

What are School Councils?

• A School Council is a small group of pupils elected to represent other pupils in the school.
• The purpose of the School Council is for young people to talk about things that relate to their school, their education and any other matter that concerns them.
• They can raise their issues and concerns with senior staff and governors of the school.
• Pupils elected should take their role seriously and take action on what the other pupils are concerned about.

How do School Councils work?

• Pupils should be elected onto the School Council by a secret ballot (vote).
• Any pupil wanting to get involved with the School Council will be entitled to put their name forward with young people in their form/year allowed to vote for them if they wish.
• Usually a tutor group has a discussion then elects two pupils to represent them at regular meetings of a year council (e.g.Year 10, Year 11).
• Each year council then elects two pupils to represent their year on the School Council.
• This means that each school year has two representatives on the School Council.
• Pupils elected on to the School Council should receive training on their roles and responsibilities.
• The elected pupils have meetings supported by a teacher to discuss and make plans for improving the school.
• The pupils on the school and year councils bring news back to their tutor groups about what has been decided and what is happening.
• The Headteacher must make sure that the school council meets six times a year.
• The school council has the opportunity to elect two young people from years 11 - 13 to report to the schools Governing Body.

What can School Councils do?

Your School Council can carry out and instigate activities that raise issues and concerns of pupils and campaign for change and raise funds.

Some of the issues school councils could consider include:

• Bullying
• The school environment
• Sports equipment and facilities
• Canteen menu
• Litter
• School uniform
• School rules
• How to raise money for the school or charities
• Condition of toilets and other school facilities.

The school council presents ideas to managers and governors so that pupils have their voice heard when decisions are made.

Pupil Voice is a website dedicated to Pupil Participation in Wales and provides useful information about your rights, what School Councils can achieve and how you can make a difference to your school.

http://www.pupilvoicewales.org.uk/english/secondary