Pupil Voice

Here at Orchard Primary School we are committed to listening to the thoughts, wishes and experiences of all children. We place value on what the children tell us about their experiences and understand that they need to be listened to and taken seriously (Article 12 UNCRC). We endeavour to give all children lots of opportunities to share their thoughts and opinions.

We have lots of ways that children can do this formally, for example through the School Council, pupil interviews, OPAL playtime leaders and Take 5 ambassadors.

We also want to create an ethos that allows children to share their opinions in an informal way, in class and also to Ms Prodger. In each class there is a listening box where children can leave notes to their class teacher about anything that they might be worrying them, or any questions that they may like to ask. In addition, Ms Prodger’s door is always open to children (and staff!).

School Council

Our School Council is a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions which impact upon them.

Each year, two representatives from each class are democratically elected to represent their class as members of the Orchard Primary School Council.  This is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to voice their ideas, opinions and to see democracy in action as a component of British Values. Children also consider out core values of Being A Better Me: respect, teamwork, resilience, creativity, independence and curiosity.

In every classroom, there is a ‘School Council Book' for pupils to raise issues to be discussed in our regular School Council meetings.  This enables all pupils in the School to have a real say in issues that affect them and to know that their opinions count.