School Council

What is a school council?
An elected body of pupils whose purpose is to represent their classes and to be a forum for active and constructive pupil input into the daily life of the school community.
www.schoolcouncils.org

Why do we need a school council?
In 1989, the United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which promotes the rights of young people. The Convention has 54 articles that support the development of a school council – a forum that gives pupils a voice.

This also links directly with the Local and Global Citizenship element of ‘Learning for Life and Work’ which pupils study in their tutorial period.

One of the key concepts within this is Democracy and Active Participation, which aims to explore how young people can take part in and influence democratic processes. The school council provides the pupils with an opportunity to investigate various ways to participate in school and society.

The Strathearn School Council supports the functioning of our school as well as gathering the thoughts and feelings of pupils about issues that are important to them and that may have an impact on the school environment.

"School councils can be a most excellent training ground in responsibility for future citizens."
        Professor Crick, 1998 Chair of the Advisory Group on Citizenship

What does an effective school council look like?

For the Strathearn School Council to be a success…………..

• All pupils in our school should be involved and should have their voice heard
• It should be pupil-led
• It should be part of our school ethos and practice
• It should deal with the core issues of the school
• It should make a difference

How is our school council structured?

Thirty five elected councillors representing each form class meet on alternating months as part of the whole school council and then in their respective key stage councils.

What issues are discussed at school council?

Since December 2008, our school councillors have dealt with a number of issues including………

• Maintenance issues
• Anti-Bullying policy
• Proposed changes to the school uniform

Who are the school councillors for 2009/2010?

KEY STAGE 3
1S – Rachel Bruce
1T – Abby Larmour
1R – Lara Sweet
1A – Kathryn H.
1H – Tori Megarry

2S – Eryn McQuillan
2T – Hannah Craig
2R – Lucy Hayes
2A – Rachael Curry
2H – Beth Lynas

3S – Janey Deehan
3T – Demi Simpson
3R – Charlotte Mowlood
3A – Nicole Sinclair
3H – Cherith Montgomery

KEY STAGE 4
4S – Lauren Fee
4T – Olivia Brown
4R – Evie Bloor
4A – Francesca Brown
4H – Emma McCracken

5S – Megan McArthur
5R – Erin Jeanes
5A – Jenna Kelly
5H – Caitlin Butler

SIXTH FORM
L6S – Rebecca Latimer
L6T – Celia Good
L6R – Chloe Stacey
L6A – Shelby Deboer
L6H – Jennifer Doak

U6S – Stacey McClay
U6T – Lily McCavanna
U6R – Judith Leonard
U6A – Rachael Simms
U6H – Chrissie Dugan

Who can I contact if I have a question about the Strathearn School Council?

Mr M. Stevenson