School Council at Hounslow Town School: Empowering Pupil Voice

At our school, we work diligently to promote pupil voice, recognising that every pupil has the right to express their views, feelings, and opinions. With over 50 councillors across our school, we take these responsibilities seriously and strive to ensure that all voices are heard. We engage in regular meetings to discuss matters pertinent to our school community, raise any concerns, and engage in fundraising activities annually.

Over the years, our School Council has explored various impactful projects:

 During the design and construction phase of our new school build, councillors were actively involved in planning and offering creative ideas.

Upon moving in 2018, we were committed to making our school eco-friendly and sustainable. One initiative we embraced was an increase in recycling our food waste, as well as enhancing planting areas on our school grounds.

Councillors had the privilege of meeting Ruth Cadbury, the Labour MP, during a meeting focused on discussing one of the fundamental British Values: Democracy. Our conversations reflected how politically engaged we are, with her noting the thoughtfulness of our questions.

On 29th October 2021, just days before the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference, one of our councillors participated in the world's first virtual children's parliament, held in a British House of Commons-style chamber. This experience allowed us to voice our concerns about climate change and demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable future.

In partnership with local charities, such as the Purple Elephant, we conducted fundraisers to support children and families facing challenging life experiences within our community. We also collaborated with Ms Khalil to improve our school lunches, discussing our views with the chefs from our catering company, Chartwell's, and sampling new menu options.

Collaboratively, we engaged with Sally Tillson from Cultivate London on the Grey to Green project, seeking ideas for our local green space development.

Our ongoing efforts extend to participating in the Annual C8 Conference at Alexandra Primary School, where we proudly presented our initiatives on promoting good attendance.

This year, our councillors took it upon themselves to update our school values posters by gathering parental feedback during Parents' Evening. We found immense joy in interacting with parents, who expressed their appreciation for our politeness and dedication. Furthermore, we had an enlightening session with Mrs Rohita Moghe, a graphic designer, which equipped us with new skills to develop engaging posters.

Through these activities, our School Council continues to enhance our school's ethos and promote an inclusive environment where every pupil's voice is valued.