At Redwood, the School Council serves as a vital platform for student voice and contribution in the decision-making processes that impact their educational experience. Comprising of representatives from Year 2 to Year 6, the members are democratically elected by their classmates, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to express their views and contribute to the school community.

The School Council meets at least once per half-term, providing a regular opportunity for discussion and collaboration on various initiatives. During these meetings, council members engage in meaningful discussion about school-related matters, share ideas and suggestions, and collaborate on planning fundraising events that benefit both the school and the wider community. Last year, School Council planned a ‘Crazy Hair Day’ which resulted in the introduction of golden book cushions for each class, which serve as a special reward for showcasing positive behaviour and achievements.

The school council plays an important role in supporting the community by establishing links with local organisations. For instance, students have visited local care homes, forming relationships and bringing joy to the residents.

Additionally, the School Council takes pride in presenting their own certificates at the end of each half-term, recognising the efforts of their peers and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Through their efforts, the School Council plays an essential role in enhancing the learning environment and fostering a sense of responsibility among students. By empowering children to take an active role in shaping their school experience, we aim to instil valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Ultimately, the School Council not only enhances school spirit but also nurtures a culture of respect and community engagement, making our school a better place for all.

 

Buddy Benches

At Redwood Primary School, our School Council has been working hard to make our school an even better place for everyone. One of their recent projects was to organise a non-uniform day and an exciting art competition. Thanks to the fantastic support from pupils, parents and staff, we raised enough money to buy Buddy Benches for each of our playgrounds.

A buddy bench is a special bench where children can sit if they are feeling lonely, want someone to talk to, or would like to join in with a game. It’s a simple but powerful way to encourage kindness, inclusion and friendship across our school.

Our new buddy benches are extra special – each one has been personalised with beautifully engraved poems written by our pupils, making them unique to our school and full of meaning.

We are incredibly proud of our School Council for their brilliant ideas and efforts. These benches will help ensure that no child ever feels left out and will continue to promote a warm, welcoming atmosphere here at Redwood Primary School.

London Trip

Our School Council had an unforgettable day on a recent trip to London, where they were invited to visit the Houses of Parliament for a special tour and workshop.

During the visit, pupils had the opportunity to explore the historic building, step inside both the House of Commons and House of Lords, and even witness a live debate taking place! It was a fantastic way to see democracy in action and learn more about how our government works.

The group also took part in a workshop where they discovered more about the roles of MPs, how laws are made, and how young people can have their voices heard in our democratic system. The workshop was interactive, informative, and truly inspiring for our young leaders.

As part of the day, we also enjoyed a river cruise along the Thames, which gave us the chance to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks – including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben.

Our School Council represented Redwood with pride – they were incredibly well-behaved, asked thoughtful questions, and showed a real interest in everything they learnt. It was a brilliant day packed full of learning, new experiences and memories to last a lifetime.