School Council 2012

School Councils are a brilliant way for young people to influence and lead on school decisions. Not just about the toilets, or wall displays, but important decisions that affect the running of the school. They’re a great way for young people to ‘do democracy’. At Canonbury we are committed to putting the voice and views of the children at the heart of what we do.

If children feel a strong sense of ownership in their school they will develop the motivation and self-esteem to achieve in and out of school. It’s our hope by involving children in the decisions that affect them; we also make clear our expectation of them in terms of participation and democratic engagement, which will benefit our wider society in the future.

Kids -Why do we need school Councils?

For many years, all the decisions about children were made by adults.

This was thought to be best because adults are older and have experience, training and qualifications.

But adults didn’t always make the right decisions, sometimes because they hadn’t talked to the children about the issues.

All the countries of the world got together and agreed that children must be given rights. So the government decided that adults must listen to children before making a decision about them.

There is an international law called ‘The convention on the Rights of the Child’ which nearly all the countries of the world have agreed to practice.

Article 12

Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account

Article 13

Children have the right to get and to share information as long as the information is not damaging to them or others,

Article 15

Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Canonbury held its School Council elections and once again the excitement and anticipation was overflowing. Children interested in the role put themselves forward and those selected had to write a speech and present it to their class. The votes were then counted. The children selected were sworn into office during assembly pledging to do a good job for their class. The school council have been officially welcomed by the school received their badges and information pack on how best to fulfil the role.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Rosie and I was voted in as chair of the School Council. I feel it’s very much my duty to ensure things run smoothly and the meetings are orderly and kept under control. I also have to facilitate the meetings and keep a clear view of what is going on. It is my responsibility to make sure everyone is heard and all problems are addressed.

To do this role you have to be vocal and assertive, you also have to be prepared to give up your breaks and lunch times. I am really enjoying the role and being the voice of my class (Tutu Yr6)

Thank you for voting for me.

Hello my name is Lucas

I want to thank my class (Rowling Year 4) for voting for me in the school council elections. I am very excited about the job in hand and want to make Canonbury a better school for all the children. I want to help all the children and make some positive changes so please come forward with your ideas. Tracy has said we will be going on some trips to help us work better in our role-can’t wait.

Thanks again for voting for me I won’t let you down.

Hi my name is Sophie, (Curie Yr3)

I wanted to be a school councillor because I want to help children and make changes in the school. I really like the meetings because it’s good to know more stuff about how school council’s work. I also get to work with children in different years.

Hi everyone, this is Gabriel, (Curie Yr3).

I wanted to be a school councillor because everyone who has done the job said they liked it. I feel important when I go to meetings and really enjoyed them.

Canonbury School Council 2012

Year 1

Nightingale      Saddiq and Julia

Holmes              Dorian and Rachael

Year 2

Pavlova                       Leo and Daisy

Mandela                     Veronique and Olivier

Year 3

Curie                           Sophie and Gabriel

Jenner                        Rida and Mia

Year 4

Rowling                     India and Lucas

King                            Aba and Cillian

Year 5

Hughes                        Rocco and Polly

Gandhi                         Asa and Mia

Year 6

Tutu                             Olivia and Rosalind

Churchill                     Ruth and Serkan