School Council
Membership
Each year, children from Year 2 and up vote for a class representative to join our School Council. In Years 5 and 6, two pupils are also chosen to represent Reception and Year 1. Children who want to be elected give a short talk to their classmates before the vote—real democracy in action!
Our School Council gives pupils a meaningful voice in school life. Members listen to their classmates' ideas, share feedback, and help make positive changes. They work together to make our school the best it can be.
Through their involvement, children learn to:
- Achieve by setting goals and working together to improve their school.
- Believe in themselves and others, knowing their ideas matter.
- Care by listening respectfully, supporting their peers, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit everyone.
What does the School Council do?
Our School Council gives pupils a meaningful voice in school life, in line with Article 12 of the UNCRC – Respect for the views of the child. Children from Year 2 upwards are elected by their peers, with older pupils also representing younger year groups.
Councillors share ideas, give feedback, and help shape decisions that affect them and their classmates. They take pride in organising fundraising events for causes like Comic Relief, Children in Need, Toilet Twinning, and Boxes of Hope.
These opportunities help pupils develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Younger children look up to the councillors and aspire to take on the role in future years.
Working closely with staff, the Headteacher, and a governor representative, the School Council helps ensure our school is a happy, safe, and caring place for everyone.
What have they been doing?
- Raising money for charities.
- Looking at the school buildings and suggesting improvements e.g. toilets, including toilet twinning in combination with Y6.
- Working on positive behaviour and how to support those that need a friend-introducing buddy benches and anti-bullying ambassadors.
- Listening to views-and consulting others.
South Lakes Pupil Parliament
Membership
Year 5 and 6 representatives (2 from each year) are chosen and attend the South Lakes Pupil Parliament for the academic year.
What does the Pupil Parliament do?
Our Pupil Parliament gives children the chance to work with other schools and develop key skills while exploring important topics. During meetings, pupils:
- Take part in team-building activities with peers from other schools.
- Learn about children’s rights and responsibilities, including how informed children can make a real impact.
- Deliver presentations on key issues and work in groups to explore them further.
- Meet special visitors, such as representatives from the Houses of Parliament Education Service and the National Youth Council, to learn about democracy and debating.
- Receive certificates to celebrate their contributions and achievements throughout the year.
These experiences help children grow in confidence, develop leadership skills, and understand how they can make a difference.
What have they been doing?
- Learning about the new Local Government Reform
- Finding out about the ‘20’s Plenty’ campaign and road safety
- Learning how to present in public and how to debate
- Looking at climate change and our impact
Eco Group
Membership
Every school year, children volunteer and are chosen to be part of the eco group. There are usually 2 children per year group.
What have they been doing?
- Meets throughout the year to focus on important environmental topics.
- Activities include:
- Learning about local bird life.
- Supporting hedgehog habitats.
- Developing a wild area for bees and pollinators.
- Creating posters to raise awareness about saving electricity.
- Led by a member of staff, with regulr committee meetings.
- Pupils gain practical skills and take pride in improving their school grounds.
- Involvement in the Youth Climate Summit and work with CDEC (Cumbria Development Education Centre) to help shape our school’s Climate Action Plan, l.earn about global and local climate issues to influence positive change in Cumbria and beyond.
