School Council

 Your Voice – Your Choice!

At St James’s we value everyone’s opinion; and that includes our students. We believe that through Student Voice, you can make a real contribution to the development of our school. Last year, the School Council consisted of over 100 dynamic and dedicated students who made a significant difference to the school; from the erection of table tennis and chess tables on our playgrounds to their valuable contributions to our new feedback philosophy and the use of visualisers in our classrooms. Ultimately the School Council helps to make things at St James’s even better! 

Every student has the opportunity to join the school council at the start of each academic year during a whole-school election. Everyone who is interested in taking part runs an election campaign. Their form then take part in a democratic vote and two students from every form are elected. Following the elections, a training session ensures that students learn about the different roles and responsibilities on the Council, how to run an effective meeting, set an agenda and take minutes and work effectively as a team. 

Meetings take place on a half-termly basis. During the meetings, progress is discussed and new suggestions are put forward. With the support of staff, the sensible ideas are put into practice.  Following meetings, the School Council feedback progress to other students through form time and assemblies and the Student leadership lead (Mrs Kilgour) provides a report to our Senior Leadership Team. All students throughout the school then have the opportunity to contribute new suggestions and ideas and give feedback on the progress made; either through discussion and debate or through school council questionnaires.

We are very proud of our School Council at St James’s and of the school improvement that they have driven.