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What is a Pupil
Council?
In a health promoting school, pupils
have an important part to play in making decisions about the life and
work of the school. One of the ways in which pupils can have their say
and make sure that their views and ideas are listened to is through the
pupil council.
The pupil council:
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gives pupils the chance to tell teachers and staff
their ideas
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represents each class in the school
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meets regularly to talk about important school issues
and projects
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puts forward the class views at council meetings
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takes forward the views of the very young classes,
who may find it difficult to put forward other's opinions.
The pupil council must have:
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a constitution, which is a list of rules clearly
setting out roles and responsibilities
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a chairperson, who leads the meetings by following
the agenda, which is a list of items to be discussed
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a secretary, who takes notes of what is said at the
meeting - these notes are called the minutes of the meeting
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a link teacher, to give guidance and support.
During the pupil council meeting:
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important issues are discussed, ideas shared and
action points decided
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discussions must be orderly and fair, with everyone
having an equal opportunity to talk or be listened to
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the chairperson should make sure that councillors
show respect for each other.
After the council meeting:
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representatives report back to their class while
things are still fresh in their minds - this helps every pupil to
feel involved
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teachers must give enough time to let the class
discuss points that have been raised
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a class or school suggestion box can be used to
gather ideas: these can be discussed at the next meeting.
The pupil council:
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involves you in decisions that affect you, your class
and your school
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keeps you informed about the life of the school
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helps you to gain the confidence to have your say
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helps you to feel good about your place in the school
community
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gives you responsibilities and encourages you to be
an active citizen
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gets exciting issues moving
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deals quickly with issues that trouble you.
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