We believe that it’s crucial for pupils to have a platform for voicing their opinions and suggestions, and for all girls to be involved in developing their school experience. Like Oxford High, many schools have a School Council. However, few School Councils have their own budget! We trust our students to chair meetings, involve their reps, identify ways forward and make good decisions so, each year, we give our School Council £1000 to spend in whichever way they decide would be of most benefit to the school community.
To ensure the views of all year groups are represented at School Council meetings, each form group elects a School Council Representative. She collates thoughts from her peers during a dedicated Form Time, and attends a sub-committee meeting (such as community, facilities, food, health and welfare). The Chair of School Council is always one of the Prefects and leads School Council, with all members of the school community welcome to attend and contribute. We always arrange a special working lunch for all those attending.
As a direct result of discussions at School Council, significant recent developments have included changes to our counselling procedures, the introduction of termly vertical PSHCE lessons, a greater number of outside speakers within the PSHCE programme, and the decision on which school charity to support … not to mention vital improvements to school life such as more variety of sandwich fillings at lunchtime!
This year’s School Council used their voice to decide to spend budget on an inspirational speaker for the whole school. The Council invited Tracy Edwards MBE to come to Oxford High and talk to the students on leadership after hearing her speak at a GDST Young Leaders Conference earlier in the year.