In order for children to achieve well, they need to take ownership of their learning and school environment and feel valued for the contributions they make. One powerful way of ensuring all children feel that they have a pupil voice within school, is to have a house council which is integral to the life of the school.

Through an effective house council, children can learn:

• About democracy and beginning to understand politics;
• How to handle budgets and the value of money;
• More about persuading others, discussing their opinions and justifying their views;
• How to coordinate their ideas and work within leadership groups;
• How to become caring and effective leaders;
• How to bring about positive change by action planning, monitoring and reviewing;
• How to listen to other people’s opinions and ideas, challenge others appropriately.

   There are various different roles within the house council including:

• Class Representative
• Youth Councillor
• Junior Road Safety Officer
• Green Team
• E=Safety Team
• Sports Ambassador
• Equality Team 

Each September, children in Y3-6 can apply to be part of the house council. The candidates receive support on how to write a letter of application to Mr Cox, the Vice Principal, who then reviews the letters and decides on the successful applicants. Children who are unsuccessful in the first instance receive feedback from Mr Cox and have the chance to reapply.

 Foundation Stage, Y1 and Y2 children become involved in other ways throughout the school year.

House Councillors meet once a week, setting their own agenda to discuss the development of whole school issues which they feel are important to them. In addition to their own plans, they will be involved in a range of activities throughout the year, such as fund-raising and supporting school events.