Our School Councillors have worked incredibly hard this year to make a positive difference to our school and the wider community. They helped to introduce our Friendship Bench, giving children a welcoming place to find support and friendship at playtimes. 

This has helped pupils feel supported, included and confident to seek friendship during playtimes.

They have played an important role in supporting classes to understand the school rules, visiting classrooms and helping children talk about why the rules matter. As part of this work, councillors gathered ideas from their classmates about what they believe is important in school, sharing these views during council meetings. Using their ideas and discussions, our new school rules, based on our core values, were established, ensuring pupil voice was central to the process.

This has strengthened children’s understanding of expectations and ensured school rules truly reflect pupils’ views and values.

The councillors also showed strong community spirit by designing posters and collecting food for the Elmbridge Food Bank, supporting families locally. They raised money for the Poppy Appeal, helping the school take part in remembrance activities.

These actions helped pupils understand the importance of kindness, generosity and supporting others.

In support of Earth Day, the councillors promoted care for the environment by taking part in a litter pick in the local area, encouraging everyone to take pride in their surroundings. They also talked to their classes about different endangered animals and then carried out a democratic vote, allowing the whole school to choose an endangered animal to adopt together. We are adopting a polar bear!

This inspired pupils to care for the environment and take part in meaningful democratic decision-making.

The councillors are working closely with Mrs Carter, our School Business Manager, to ensure pupils’ voices are heard regarding school lunches. They supported the creation and running of a class survey about the school meals menu and provision, collecting valuable feedback from children across the school. As we prepare for a new lunch provider, hearing directly from our pupils is a vital part of shaping future decisions.

This is ensuring pupils have a real voice in decisions that affect their daily school experience.

We are very proud of the commitment, leadership and teamwork shown by our School Councillors throughout the year.

Their enthusiasm and responsibility have made a meaningful impact on both school life and the wider community.