Rockmount School Council

"I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.” - Greta Thunberg

At Rockmount Primary School we are proud to have pupil representatives that take part in School Council meetings.  These councils are in place so that pupils have a voice and are involved in decisions about the school that affect them.  Through these meetings, all pupils have the opportunity to raise issues, share ideas and take part in discussions that involve all of their classmates in reaching a democratic solution.  Pupils at Rockmount Primary School know that this is their school and their thoughts and ideas matter.

Our School Council aims to encourage our children to:

• Develop confidence and responsibility and make the most of their abilities
• Prepare them to play an active role as citizens
• Develop healthy, safer lifestyles
• Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people
• To have a “voice” and to share their opinions and ideas with others

Why?

We value the benefits of operating a School Council. The School Council represents the whole school.  We feel they benefit the whole community and as a school we operate as a community. Through our School Council and class council work it is hoped that we can develop a balance and wholeness, helping to make our community more harmonious to live in. Our School Council work will enable pupils with positive attitudes to exert a positive influence.   Everyone will benefit from the work of the School Council.

Our School Council aims to ensure our children have:

• A safe, happy and fair learning environment
• A forum to voice their concerns and act upon them
• A structured opportunity to learn problem-solving skills
• An opportunity to take an active role in the organisation of the school
• An opportunity to experience a democratic process

Our School Council should encourage pupils to develop:

• A sense of ownership over policy and practice
• A consensus over school issues such as behaviour
• A responsibility towards the school community and environment

Our School Council should give pupils the experience of:

• Planning, organising and monitoring small projects
• Speaking and listening skills
• Debating skills
• Mediation and negotiating skills
• Basic budgeting and managing money

Our School Council aims to prepare our pupils for citizenship by teaching them about roles, rights and responsibilities within the school system.

Latest News 

School council had their first meeting of the academic year. The members introduced themselves and shared ideas about upcoming projects and initiatives for the year. 

' I think we should focus on getting more equipment for the playground' - Leo Year 3

'Maybe we could have reading buddies at lunchtime' - Olivia Year 4

' I think we should still continue to think about food waste in school' - Iris Year 5

'One idea I have is linking our initiatives to future careers. Maybe we could learn the skills for different jobs' - Dylan Year 6

School Councillors 2023-2024 

Pupil Voice

"School council helps the school be a better place and makes the children happy." Ella - Year 3 councillor.

"I enjoy School Council as it gives me the chance to help the children and the school." Antonia -Year 6 councillor.

"I like people coming to me for help and raising the problems at the meetings." Pascal -Year 5 councillor.

Our trip to the Houses of Parliament 

Exploring Democracy and Debating: Our School Councillors' Adventure to Parliament

At Rockmount we believe in empowering our students to become active participants in shaping their communities and respecting others. Accompanied by our Miss Fryman, Miss Carvall and our amazing parent volunteers, our School Councillors had the incredible opportunity to venture into central London to visit the Houses of Parliament.

The children had a fantastic tour around the Houses of Commons and Lords. They even got to watch a real debate in the House of Commons with the Justice Secretary.

The debating workshop was a highlight of our school' visit, underscoring the importance of critical thinking, communication skills, and community engagement in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society. The children debated ‘Should we ban homework?’ Some argued that homework fosters responsibility and reinforces learning at school, while others advocated for more time for extracurricular activities and relaxing in the evening.

In addition to the Parliament tour, our School Councillors were treated to a royal spectacle as they made their way to the Horse Guards Parade. There, they witnessed a breath-taking rehearsal of a marching band in preparation for King Charles' birthday celebration.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from our School Councillors as they continue to explore, learn, and make a difference in the world around them!

" I really enjoyed the houses of Parliament trip; we saw so much! We saw a lot of war memorials on the way to see Downing Street and the Horse Guards house. When we got to Parliament we got special headsets so we could hear a tour guide. We saw the King's throne in the House of Lords which was carved out of wood and covered in gold. Apparently the King only comes once a year to open Parliament. 

After we seeing the House of Lords we went to see a law being discussed in the House of Commons. We got to sit in the public viewing gallery.

Finally we had a workshop about making laws and the thing we discussed was about banning homework. I was on the side who said 'We shouldn't ban homework!' It was the best day! - Iris, Year 5 "