One of the relevant articles of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that addresses the principle of participation is Article 12, the right to be heard.
Article 12 says that every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This principle recognises children and young people as actors in their own lives and applies at all times throughout a child’s life.
A School Council provides a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions that impact upon them.
At Honeybourne Primary School, our School Council is a group of children that represents the views of all our pupils. It gives our children the opportunity to have their voices heard and be part of the whole school community. They help to make decisions about school life and organise projects that support learning and development, such as organising charity events, theme days or representing the school at outside events.
We value the opinions of our pupils, and our School Council gives pupils a forum to share these opinions with our School Council teacher representative, Kerry Monks, as well as the Head of School and other members of staff.
So far this year, we have discussed how we were elected and considered what the role of the School Council should be; how we can raise money for the school and other charities; and how best to support the local community.
