Our involvement, as PSCD peripatetic teachers, on the setting up and running of Primary School Student Councils’, shows that we recognise the important role that young people have in shaping our common future. By being involved in such activities, young people become active citizens, a key component in promoting long term changes for a more sustainable world.

The role of a Students’ Council within a school is to bring together nominated students and school staff representatives to look at issues raised by the students, school staff representatives and Head of School. These issues are worked on to a conclusion through a democratic process. Pupils are encouraged to take decisions based on facts and take into account factors such as cost, health and safety and curriculum constraints.

During the first scholastic term, the Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes are introduced to the concept of Student Council. A set of 6 ‘hands on’ sessions are delivered during the weekly PSCD lesson to demonstrate democracy in action, how it should work and finally, students interested in participating in student councils are encouraged to present their nomination. The learning outcomes behind these sessions are:
• to be aware of what qualities a good leader possess
• to encourage the spirit of teambuilding
• to improve listening skills
• to be able to articulate their thoughts and deliver them in an eloquent speech
• how to design and present a poster for the electoral campaign
• how to make an informed decision and vote for the best nominees on a ballot sheet in a responsible way.

The Student Council is made up of Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 students. The school election normally is done at the end of term 1 or beginning of term 2. This year’s election was held in December 2014. Special Unit students assisted the voters on Election Day. Besides attending the meetings, the Student Council Members need to write Agendas and Minutes and also help with the planning and implementation of activities.