Pupil Parliament

Lots of schools have a school council which were introduced as one group of children elected by their fellow pupils to represent their opinions and raise issues working with their school leaders. At Olveston we feel our children can achieve more than this. One of our school aims is for our children to make the world a better place. After visiting the houses of parliament our year 6 children raised that they wanted to set up their own version of the national system – that is where our pupil parliament started.

The new Pupil Parliament is in its early stage. However, the intention is for it to become structured in a similar way to the government with sub committees. Each of these committees is designed to have a specific focus on improving Olveston CEVC Primary School.

Pupil Parliament promotes pupil leadership opportunities, enabling children to develop valuable communication, organisation and debating skills through key roles of responsibility and new experiences. Pupil Parliament benefits the whole school, pupils and teachers because it provides opportunities for pupils to communicate their opinions as well as influence the decisions that are made on their behalf. Pupils relish the opportunity to become a greater part of school life and enjoy making their voices heard.

The aims of the Pupil Parliament:

• Represent all pupils and includes a fair representation of the school.
• Take time to listen to all pupils and communicate their views.
• Feedback to pupils about what happened about their views.
• Action decisions that have been made or explain why they can’t happen.

Who can be a member of Pupil Parliament?

We start with our year 6 children. The children must want to make a difference. After this we go out to all of our other classes. Where anyone can apply for a position in a committee. Each member is voted for by their peers after a short presentation explaining why they should be elected.

What are the committees?

There are 4 committed, each consisting of a child from each class from Y2-Y6 and supported by a school adult

• Fundraising and charitable causes
• Wider impact – Beyond our gates
• Pupil power – what do the children is school really think!
• Health and Wellbeing

What do we do?

Each committee is supported by the school leadership and a year 6 lead. Each committee will meet once a half term to discuss forthcoming actions and update actions completed. Committee members will chair regular meetings with their class to discuss topics, issues and initiatives that affect them as well as charity events. Committee members have different roles and responsibilities with two Chair Persons setting the agenda and leading the meetings. The secretary minutes the committee meeting and the Treasurer is responsible for the money that is raised and spent. The committee members work together on projects with different members of staff to get the best out of every project.

What are the committees planning to do this academic year? (updated end October 2024)

• Invite Clare Young – Our MP to visit school