Bright ideas from newly formed school council

Kick-starting a fresh academic year, our newly appointed King’s St Alban’s school council representatives came together from each of the year groups across the Prep School for their first meeting. After a brief round of introductions between the differing year groups, the new school councillors quickly got down to business. The children had bundles of energy and their respectful and collaborative approach was impressive for the first meeting of the year.

Matters discussed during the course of the meeting included:

1. Ideas for large-play equipment for the quad: suggestions included: Giant Jenga, Swing-Ball, Snakes and Ladders and / or Hopscotch painted on the tarmac area, the addition of draughts pieces for our chess board as an alternative and blackboards and chalk on the playground.
2. Thoughts on Well-being Wednesday so far: pupils highlighted that some peers have found meditation tricky, so it would be good to have some alternatives; the mindfulness colouring, especially the zen drawing had been a hit as had the cha, cha, cha dancing. Ideas for the future included a short river walk and some yoga.
3. Ideas for outdoor classroom: pupils suggested that the area could be used for doing puzzles and drawing as well as art lessons. It could also be used as a quiet space. Pupils suggested that it could be decorated with pupil artwork.

Mrs Kilbey, Deputy Head at King’s St Alban’s was particularly impressed with the children’s communication skills and positive engagement, listening to others and representing the viewpoints of not just themselves but also other pupils in the class.

Pupil voice and feedback is a very valuable influence on whole school life, with recent achievements including new playground equipment, a playtime rota, including football, and reviewing the school meals. Younger pupils in our Pre-Prep also have input to school council matters via whole class discussion and brainstorming sessions with their class teachers.

School council members 2022 -23:

Year 6: Charlie M and William D

Year 5: Karla S, Charlotte C and George B

Year 4: Skye F and Charlotte H

Year 3: Zach L and Martha N