Aims and objectives
This activity shows how a School Council can be organised. The process
is aimed at children and provides an empowering approach to the
notions of active democracy.
Previous knowledge
No previous knowledge is required but should be teacher led as part
of the Citizenship curriculum rather than as an independent activity.
In the classroom
A school council is an ideal opportunity for pupils to get more
involved in the way a school is run. They are made up in a number
of different ways but usually have representatives from each class
r year who have to be voted in by other pupils. It is the responsibility
of each councillor to ensure that they express both their own views
and the views of all the other pupils they represent.
A school council will benefit the whole school, pupils and teachers.
It will provide opportunities for pupils to communicate their feelings
to teachers and staff as well as influence decisions that are made.
It starts with the online production of a letter to the class teacher
asking for valued consideration to be given to the launch of a council.
This document can then provide a stimulating resource for a class
debate as to the merits of a council. As the process progresses,
further forms and documents can be obtained from the activity to
guide staff and children through the procedures.
The activity is based on the Save the Children book, 'The School
Council', the full version of which is available by completing the
order form found from within the activity in the 'Acknowledgements'
section.
| Support materials description: |
Resources type: |
| The school_council.pdf contains a printable summary
of The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This can be
used as a reference source or as a small group or whole class
discussion document. |
school_council.pdf |
Curriculum references
PSHE & Citizenship – KS2:
1a, c; 2a, b, d, f, h; 3f, g; 4a; 5a, c, e, h
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