PUPIL VOICE
For many years we have had a School Council that provides pupils with the opportunity to voice their opinions and to have a say in the life of the School. A great deal has been achieved and the pupils have had a direct influence on the development of many facilities, policies and whole school issues such as the uniform.
Last year, the current School Council voted overwhelmingly to suspend the School Council constitution and to take a fresh look at the way Pupil Voice operated in the School.
After many meetings, the Council Officers held assemblies for year groups and explained their proposed way forward. They explained that they had previously constructed a carefully thought through structure with forums and lines of communication, but realised that they needed to involve all pupils in deciding what was the best way for pupils’ voices to be heard. Consequently, they offered a ‘blank canvas, an empty box, an unfurnished room’ as their present model. All pupils in the School are now actively engaged in debating pupil voice issues and making recommendations for further discussions.
We know this is going to be a long process and it will take some time before pupils see the fruits of their labours. However, it is worth it. The School values the contribution pupils already make to the life of this community and we are keen to develop opportunities for them to expand their influence.
It is the hope of the current School Council Officers that the work that is undertaken this year will provide a long lasting legacy for future Bay House pupils.