Pupil Voice

Our School Council meets regularly and plays an active part in shaping the way we move forward as a school. See below for how the School Council works and some of the key achievements.

• Each class voted for 2 pupils within their own class to be candidates for the School Council.
• The candidates then had to create a campaign to get others to vote for them – they did this by: making and displaying posters, giving out cakes, visiting classes, handing out flyers and wearing ‘vote for me’ badges.
• We had 2 election days – 1 for Lower school and 1 for Upper school. On the election days the candidates presented their election speech to the whole of their department, they had to address 2 questions 1) What I like about school and 2) How I will make school even better.
• Candidates could make an election speech however they chose, examples were: dancing, music, talking into the microphone, a pre made video or showing pictures.
• After the election speeches, the whole department chose who they would like to vote for to be on the School Council at our Dysart Polling Station.
• Pupils were able to use a variety of communication aids to make their choice – PECS/choosing board/switches.
• Pupils were handed a photo of their choice of candidate which they then posted into the ballot box.
• The votes were counted by Jo and the SLT.
• The successful candidates were announced in a celebration assembly at the end of the 2 election days.
• The School Council now meets every month, their current project is to decide on what equipment will go into the new adventure play.
• The School Councils have been included on interviews appointing new staff at Dysart, including; asking questions and choosing who they think should work with us.