St. Patrick’s are proud to have pupil representatives that take part in School Council meetings. These council meetings take place so that pupils have a voice and are involved in decisions about the school that affect them. Through the School Council, all pupils have the opportunity to raise issues, share ideas and take part in discussions that involve all of their classmates in reaching a democratic solution. Wider issues that arise are discussed further with the Leadership Team, this ensures that as many pupil voices as possible are heard. Pupils at St. Patrick’s know that this is their school and their thoughts and ideas matter.
Our School Council aims to encourage our children to:
- Develop confidence and responsibility and make the most of their abilities
- Prepare them to play an active role as citizens
- Develop healthy, safer lifestyles
- Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people
- To have a “voice” and to share their opinions and ideas with others
Our School Council aims to ensure our children have:
- A safe, happy and fair learning environment
- A forum to voice their concerns and act upon them
- A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills
- An opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school
- An opportunity to experience a democratic process
Our School Council should encourage pupils to develop:
- A sense of ownership over policy and practice
- A consensus over school issues such as behaviour
- A responsibility towards the school community and environment
Our School Council should give pupils the experience of:
- Planning, organising and monitoring small projects
- Speaking and listening skills
- Debating skills
- Mediation and negotiating skills
- Basic budgeting and managing money
Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system.
Following the School Council Meeting, School Council Members speak to their class to let them know what is going on and tell the class about the issues being discussed and what is happening next. This will encourage more children to contribute to further meetings, share worries and let members know the things which could be done to improve the school. The school will record School Council Achievements on the school newsletter as and when appropriate.
