CLASS COUNCILS
Every class in school has their own council which is organised and run by every member working together. These councils give all children and staff the chance to share ideas and concerns and problem solve together. All these shared times are based on trust and children are supported and challenged to develop their understanding of themselves and each other. Listening to others and celebrating ideas is a key skill which transfers to all other areas of life. These councils feed into our student council which meets on a half termly basis

STUDENT COUNCIL
This council is made up of two representatives from each class who have been elected through a fair democratic process. At the start of each year all classes choose their new representatives through class elections. Each time the student council meets a formal agenda helps to guide the children through the discussion process. The children put forward their ideas and decide through debate and consideration, which areas need further attention. As the year progresses it is a joy to see children growing in confidence and taking a more active role.

During 2010 we built our cycle racks which have provided a safe space for bicycles to be stored and this change has encouraged more children to cycle to school. During 2011/12 our council were determined to drive forward playground changes and representatives met with governors and the Local authority to discuss needs. This process led to a whole school development plan being created to improve the playground surface. During 2012/13 our new council continued the process of going out to tender and worked with the Local Authority and Governors to bring this dream to completion. During the summer of 2013 the new tarmac finally arrived; what an achievement! In 2013/14 our council came up with the idea of creating a school chapel where we could all go to find space and time to pray. Bringing this dream to life needed great persistence and determination and by November 2014 the chapel was completed. This is such a lovely building; Wayne Swarbrick breathed life into our vision and has provided us all with a lovely space to pray. During 2015 Bishop Patrick visited school and blessed this holy space. Councillors who had been involved in this process joined us from St Bedes.

In using the chapel throughout 2014/15 the council decided that other parts of the environmental area needed to be developed which led to children putting forward business plans. Some of these plans became a reality, helping us to develop our new Reflection Garden and Discussion Point by summer 2015.

During 2016, the Student Council decided that new playground markings were needed. They discussed ideas and through their class councils agreed plans. During the summer, following tenders being received, a final price was agreed and new markings installed which the children now use as part of their unstructured playtimes; they have provided areas of fun!

Through further discussion and whole school collaboration in autumn 2019 The Student Council once again formulated a plan. They met with a school contractor to share and agreed plans for our new trim trail. Pieces of equipment had been thought about carefully and positioned to provide challenge for all year groups. This was eventually built during summer 2020 as critical worker children watched from the playground. Unfortunately due to the pandemic this new trim trail has stood vacant for many weeks as children have looked on longingly, desperate to try it out. Towards the end of September 2020 classes have eventually been able to enjoy a week of exploration and the feedback is extremely positive. It is safe to say the children love their new design!     

These are only a few developments which originated through council discussions and were then realised through consultation, planned actions, great belief and determination. Our children and teachers are a great force to be reckoned with when they get an idea!