Why does Templars have a School Council?

Having a School Council is a really rewarding experience for children and adults alike, creating strong lines of communication and positive links among our school community. Being a part of our School Council encourages leadership, cooperation and communication skills in our children.

Effective pupil participation in a School Council, aligned with a whole-school approach to Pupil Voice, can:

• bring about personal growth and development for those involved,
• improve learning,
• improve citizenship,
• improve school organisation and decision-making processes.

In previous years, our School Council have successfully supported developing changes to Templars Primary School, including:

• safer, cleaner and more accessible toilets for all children
• how we mark certain occasions throughout the year, including World Book Day and Careers Week
• how we can support our link school of St Martins (Wakii) in Ghana
• which extra-curricular activities are offered before, during and after school hours
• what the playground looks like at lunchtime, and what activities are on offer, which was linked to the OPAL
• what is offered at lunchtime for meals
• how we celebrate achievements in school

How does Templars create a School Council?

Our School Council comprises democratically elected individuals.

Each class should have two councillors. Prospective councillors are asked to present themselves to their class and then a secret ballot is held where every child has the opportunity to vote for who they think best represents the views of all children in their class.

The ballots are then counted, and the results are revealed in a special assembly in front of the whole school. Elected councillors will be given a special badge or lanyard which they can wear with pride, so everyone knows who they can approach to have their voice heard.

What is expected of a Templars' School Councillor?

Building on the Templars' core values of Care, Respect and Honesty, our councillors are expected to represent the views of all children in their class.

They will attend half-termly meetings with Mr Brightside acting as facilitator for these meetings. During these meetings, it will be decided what are the most pertinent issues facing our children. A "Big Question" will be established which will be taken back to the class where the councillors can canvas their peers' thoughts, feelings and opinions.

Once the feedback has been collated, it is then presented to a relevant member of staff to establish what, if any, changes can be made.

Who are Templars' School Councillors?

Find out very soon...