Open Education/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!