What Is A School Council?

A School Council is a group of pupils within school who are elected by their peers to represent them and their views.

Why Have A School Council?

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says that children and young people should have a say in decisions that affect their lives. A School Council can provide a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions which impact upon them. Experience from schools here and further afield shows that a School Council that is supported and nurtured, helps to improve many aspects of school life. It is an important and useful way for schools to provide leadership and development opportunities for pupils (education-ni.gov.uk). 

 

BALLYTREA'S FIRST SCHOOL COUNCIL BEGINS ITS JOURNEY!

24th September

Today,  the Northern Ireland Assembly Education Service visited Ballytrea. Pupils in Years 4-7 were invited along to listen as Lucy told them all about Stormont and the process of holding an election. Pupils learnt how electing a School Council would follow similar principles. So, we got to work writing our manifestos. This is the start of our process so log in soon to see how we're getting along. Hopefully, we'll have our first School Council representatives very soon!

2nd-4th October

Pupils decided if they wanted to stand for election. Those who did, read out their manifestos and everyone had the chance to vote. It was so close in many cases. Well done to everyone who took the opportunity to try this and we wish our new School Council members well as they work together to share their love of Ballytrea primary school and seek to make it even better for everyone! Their first Council meeting will take place shortly!

Roles and Responsibilities Agreed

The pupils discussed the role of the Board of Governors at Ballytrea and the different responsibilities that the members would have. They discussed what the role of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson would entail and what the Secretary might do. Each person decided which role (if any) they wanted to nominate themselves for and a vote was taken. We now have a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and two secretaries.

Anti-Bullying Week

One of the first jobs that the Council will take responsibility for is organising events in support of Anti-Bullying Week 2018. The Council has decided they want an Assembly with a short video to outline what bullying is and how it makes people feel. They have decided to follow this up with a poster competition for Years 4-7, from which they will select some prizewinners. They also want to see a worry box put in place to help anyone who wants to share their thoughts and they want to promote #WearYellow4RESPECT by encouraging everyone to wear something yellow.

Click on the link below to learn more.

Don't Bully Me!