Welcome to the blog for the St Peter’s School Council! St Peter’s is an inclusive school located in the heart of Walworth, SE17. This blog is written and published by the members of the School Council. We want to use this site to explain and share the news stories related to our work.
The St Peter’s School Council is a major decision making body within the school. The elected representatives from each year group encourage communication between children and adults, as well as shaping school policy that has a genuine impact.
Our recent Ofsted report described the St Peter’s School Council as: “being effective in promoting good behaviour.”
Two class members are elected at the start of each new school year. Candidates of all abilities are encouraged to come forward and stand for election. Election hustings are held, with each child addressing their class and explaining why they think they would make an outstanding School Councillor.
We use this process to help the children to explore how the election process works. Campaign posters are drawn up, and each candidate is encouraged to discuss with other children what they want the School Council to achieve.
Election Day is one of the highlights in the St Peter’s school calendar. We welcome into our school the election officials from Southwark Council. The polling booths used in local council elections are set up and each child has a secret vote on a genuine ballot paper.
All children and staff have one vote for their respective class members; the candidates within Year 6 are voted upon by the whole school community. We announce the newly elected School Councillors in a special school assembly, and applaud all candidates who bravely stood for election.
The serious work of the School Council then commences. Our representatives meet fortnightly, discussing issues raised by their constituents, and deciding upon future ways of working.
This year our School Council has focussed on anti-bullying, our walking to school policy and the highly successful Comic Relief Day.
