Aims and Purposes

Aims of the Student Council

The Student Council exists to represent the voice of the students, promote their ideas and advocate their views and interests. It is a fundamentally democratic and non-political institution, with all students given equal opportunity to participate. Its role includes helping the school to serve its students as effectively as possible and making students aware of wider issues, in addition to playing an important role in establishing links with the community.

Role of the Student Council within the School Community

· To create a positive school atmosphere of mutual respect between staff and students

· Developing and maintaining the participation of students in the life of our school

· Helping students to develop important life skills such as project management, time management and leadership skills

· Represent the views of the students we represent to our school’s Senior Leadership Team

· Raising awareness among students of prevalent issues in society, including health, financial and environmental issues

· Establishing links with the local community through our fundraising projects

Charity Fundraising

At the beginning of each calendar year, the Student Council elect a charity to support and set a fundraising target. Over the course of the year, several fundraising events are organised, including discos, cake sales and a summer fete.

This year, the Student Council has voted to support Cancer Research - raising money for a national charity like this will be a shift from the previous year's local community project. The public almost entirely funds Cancer Research UK's work thus it is a great initiative to support such a great organisation, tackling the issue of cancer, a subject close to many people's hearts

Prospective Staff Interviews

The Student Council also play an active role in interviewing prospective members of staff, either for Lawrence Sheriff or on behalf of other organisations. The interviews and interview panels are organised by the Student Council's Vice Chairman and usually consist of students from every age group. Over the last few years, the Student Council has been involved in the appointment of many members of staff, many of whom now teach at the school.

Structure

Members of the student council come from 4 parties.

• Representative Party - Members from the school's form groups

• Ambassadorial Party - Members from the school's student groups

• Volunteer Party - Regular students representing their own views

• Executive Party - Selected individuals chosen by the Chair and Vice Chair 

Our Meetings

Student council meetings happen every Tuesday, with a second Executive Party Briefing happening in prior.