This is such an effective way of engaging pupils in the democratic process. Our School Council and Participation Groups love it and are already using the information to plan the school developments they want. They learn so much about how schools work, where the finance comes from and what others think of their ideas.

They really have to think critically about the issues which arise and are keen to further explore some of the topics they are unfamiliar with, distinguishing between fact and opinion when making choices.

Anna Bolt – Glyncollen Primary School

The student council did an amazing job and managed to get over 100 students at the school engaged today amassing an impressive 2385 interactions, 52 ideas and 350 comments..

Some students even took the initiative to engage in the big conversation around the Swansea Well-being Plan and in Morriston, their local ward.

Ideas such as Plastic Free School & More Cycle Training came out as some of the highest priorities!

Here’s a flavour of some lovely feedback from students participating..

http://blog.vocaleyes.org/2018/01/student-representatives-engage-the-rest-of-the-school-in-participa...

Pupil Voice is an important aspect of education in Wales where the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) is statutory. The UNCRC sets out a set of participation rights for children that includes the right to a voice, to be listened to, to exercise agency and negotiate meanings with others.

The aim in Wales is for fundamental children’s rights’ principles to become embedded within the policies and practices of all who work with and on behalf of children and young people. Many schools want to go beyond the statutory requirement to establish a School Council to fully integrate pupil voice into the school community. Cardiff is on a three year journey to become the first Child Friendly City in Wales and is committed to continuous consultation with Children and Young People (CYP).

Read more

http://blog.vocaleyes.org/2018/03/pupil-voice-participatory-democracy-and-digital-competence/