Intent
At Leigh Academy Hartley, we have a School Council, made up of 1 teacher and 12 children, 1 councillor and one deputy per class. Being a part of this promotes the children’s voice and a great sense of community. Having a school council within a PYP school, means that the children have agency and can take action for the well being of the school community as well as wider charities. This supports the children to become internationally minded and caring global citizens of the world.
To be a School Councillor, children need:
- To be able to work as a part of a team.
- Develop an appreciation for different ideas and points of view.
- Think of others and communicate through discussion.
- Listen attentively to differing points of view.
- Consider solutions and how to help and be proactive in suggesting what actions could be taken.
- Make connections between issues that have become an issue at school, locally and globally.
Implementation
At the start of each academic year, a new group of councillors are gathered. The children can choose to stand for councillor and are then voted for by their classmates. The children who wish to be elected can explain why they would like to be part of the group allowing them to express their ideas and develop their oracy skills. 1 child from each class is elected.
Once the group is formed, the children have the chance to develop teamwork and leadership skills. Being part of the school council is the perfect way to promote the Learner Profile Attributes and for the children to understand how they are relevant in everyday life. Children are able to question and reflect
about how their actions and opinions impact on the school, local communities and the worldwide community. They communicate with each other in meetings and with their peers when they feedback and collect ideas. Councillors are required to think carefully, be open minded about the views of others and make balanced decisions. Through inquiry and pupil voice, the children take ownership of decisions and improvements that can be made.
Planning fundraising events to support the school, local or worldwide communities, the children learn to plan, organise, host and evaluate events. Yearly global events are supported such as Children in Need and Comic Relief which usually involve lots of meetings to discuss events that will take place then require feedback to be delivered to classmates. Local causes have been supported such as collecting food for the local food bank, The Community Cupboard. All events are supported wholeheartedly by the council members and they are encouraged to thank and give feedback to those who supported us. By making a difference to the lives of many, our student councillors develop the attributes of curiosity and empathy; they need to understand what the cause is, what it’s promoting and why and how they are supporting it.
Impact
A School Council provides the children with voice, choice and ownership. It allows them to express opinions or concerns and make a difference to the school, local and global communities. Responding to the student voice is vital for an effective school. Issues arise and are discussed; then suggestions are made for improvements. Pupil’s, teachers and parents work together to support progress, implement improvements and make a difference. This results in the children feeling valued, empowered and supported.
The school community is also developed using the school council. They recently discussed lunchtimes and ways that this can be improved.
Classes said “We want football at lunchtimes.”
School Council passed this forward and now we are looking at introducing football on the field.
Classes said “The dinner hall is too noisy.”
School Council agreed and have helped to put new colourful slides on display at lunch which show the noise levels.
Achievements this year 2025/26
- Decided the whole school AR reading target prize
- Over £380 raised for Children in Need
- Over £316 raised for the Poppy Appeal
- Supporting the PTA Christmas Fayre
- Helping to improve the dinner hall by reducing noise levels
- Raising awareness of Red Nose Day