What you said

• We want to eat in the dining hall at break
• We want a School Council page on the website
• We want to wear Christmas jumpers at Christmas

What we did

• The dining hall can now be used at break
• There is now a School Council page on the website
• Christmas jumpers were worn during the last week of Autumn Term 2

Purpose

The purpose of the School Council is to ensure that students’ views can be represented and that staff and students can work in partnership to effect the continual improvement of the school.

Members

Every Form Group elects 2 representatives to serve on the Year Council.  Although gender balance is desirable, it is not essential.  Each Year Council elects 2 members to serve on the School Council.  Elections take place in September and a term of office is for one year although members may stand for re-election. 

Meetings

Year Councils meet one per half term for a full meeting and also have a feedback meeting following the School Council; the School Council meets half termly, usually a fortnight after the Full Year Council Meetings. 

Meetings are organised on a formal basis.  The agenda and previous minutes are circulated in advance.  Apologies should be sent in cases of non-attendance.  Contributions are made through the Chair.

Topics for discussion are agreed in advance and are never of a personal nature.  Councillors represent the views of the group they represent.

Councillors are expected to make positive contributions with the view of seeking development, improvement and resolution.

Decisions are usually made by consensus.

Removal or resignation

The term of office for a Councillor is one year.  If a Councillor is unable to fulfil the duties assigned to the role s/he may resign by writing to the Headteacher.

A Councillor may be removed from office if:

• s/he has missed two consecutive meetings of Year or School Council without legitimate cause or apology
• has brought the council into disrepute through inappropriate conduct

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each member of the Council to fulfil the requirements of the Year/School Councillors job description.

Year and School Councillor Job Description

Year Councils and the School Council exist to ensure that the voice of students is heard and that staff and students can work together to ensure the very best experience for all students and the continuing positive development of the school.

Purpose of the role

The role of a Year Councillor is a very responsible one.  A Year Councillor is a role model to other students.  Every Year Council member is responsible for making things happen by: 

• Finding out about the views of their form group
• Representing those views at Year Council meetings
• Taking an active part in meetings and other events.
• Giving feedback to their form group

It should be noted that the role of a Councillor is time-consuming and can involve lunchtime meetings and use of free time.  Events can include meetings with visitors, other schools and organisations, involvement in assemblies and working parties on particular issues.

Year Councillors and School Councillors represent the group that elected them.  They are the link between that group and the School Council.

Key responsibilities:

• Find out what students and staff think. There will be occasions when councillors put items on the agenda and others where staff wish to discuss an important issue with the Year and School Councils
• Engage as many students as possible in consultation and discussion
• Prepare thoroughly for meetings. Read any paperwork received in advance.  Think about the issues that are to be discussed so that you can make an active contribution to debate.
• Be punctual to meetings and ensure that you bring necessary paperwork with you.
• Be proactive: check notice boards, the website and your e mails regularly.
• Take a positive approach to promoting your school and work in partnership with staff to effect improvement.
• Take part in any training provided for school and year councillors and help to induct new members.