Open Education/Pupil Council

Pupil Council

• Gives pupils the chance to share their ideas with their peers and teachers
• Represents each pupil and is way to put forward pupils ideas and views
• Meets on a regular way to discuss important school issues and projects
• Puts forward the views of all pupils

How to get onto a pupil council

• By standing for election through being nominated or nominating yourself
• By a democratically run election with pupils and teachers having equal voting rights
• Voting will be counted and verified correct
• Support to run and if any doubts over decisions will seek consensus from pupils

The pupil council probably has

• A constitution, which are rules setting out roles and responsibilities
• A defined meeting system based on the constitution - may be hierarchical and include agendas and minutes
• A recorder of items discussed at the meetings
• A support teacher who assists

Pupil council meeting

• At pupil council meeting important issues are discussed, ideas shared and action points decided.
• The aim is for the discussions to be orderly and fair, with everyone having an equal opportunity to talk or be listened to.
• It is important that all councilors share their viewpoints during the meeting.
• Aim for consensus in making decisions and use the Warrington School Decision Making Process

After the meeting

• After the meeting councilors report back to their class while things are still fresh in their minds - this helps every pupil to feel involved
• Teachers need to give enough time to let the class discuss points that have been raised 
• A class or school suggestion box can also be used to gather ideas, which can be discussed at the next meeting

What are the benefits of a pupil council?

• The pupil council involves you in decisions that affect you, your class and your school.
• It keeps you informed about the life of the school and helps you to gain the confidence to have your say.
• It also can help you to feel good about your place in the school community by giving you responsibilities and encourages you to be an active citizen.
• The advantage is that it gets exciting issues moving and can deal quickly with issues that trouble you.

Get involved in your pupil council. You can make a difference!