Pupil Voice

At Ghyllside our school council provides a basis for active learning of important life skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork, emotional literacy, problem-solving, moral reasoning skills, self-esteem and self confidence in addition to providing a dynamic foundation for learning about citizenship. The children on the school council often acquire skills which help them to become resilient to negative experiences while enabling them to have a voice and to understand that their opinions count. They are both respected and supported by both peers and staff at the school alike and often help shape the way in which our school is developing.  Much of the councils work is done 'behind the scenes' but they have been instrumental in setting up positive changes such as the 'buddy' system, break time equipment, healthy snack policy, helping to achieve the healthy school standard, school meal improvements, interior and exterior changes to the building and grounds, electricity contracts, fruity Friday, various fundraising ideas, football rotas - the list goes on! Councillors often meet with the head teacher, site manager and all other members of staff to discuss issues that have arisen in the school council meetings.  The meetings themselves are run by the elected chairperson and minutes taken by the elected secretary.

Our school council is a vital part of what we do at Ghyllside, providing the children with an elected voice in influencing decisions that move the school forward.