44 SCHOOL COUNCIL The School Council Being the Chair of the School Council has been an immense pleasure, which has allowed me to gain a greater insight into the lives of students of all ages and backgrounds. Through regular meeting with representatives from each year group, the students are allowed to express any ideas or concerns they may have in their school life. This year the ideas raised have been pragmatic, and I have been impressed by the maturity and the manner in which each year conducted themselves at meetings; the younger years in particular. A certain group of students I met with this year were eager to start a classroom recycling program, showing the thoughtful and sustainable-minded students we have. At the start of the year I gave assemblies introducing myself, and explaining the structure and process of the School Council. I was unsure and still learning the ropes, but with the support of the Head Boy and the Deputy Head Ms Vincent I was quickly able to plan and lead meetings effectively. My organisational skills have most definitely improved! I have also needed the help of my Vice Chair and Secretary to run errands, take notes and lead meetings in my absence. This year we have made great progress and have further established the Council as a force for good. For example, there has been improvement to the Schools facilities. The School fields have received a facelift, with the pavilion being refurbished to be more attractive and practical. Canopies, seating areas and flower beds have been built in the Quad, providing students with a pleasant and comfortable environment. Water fountains have been provided to keep students hydrated. The School Council has also organised multiple events, including themed days in the canteen. The purpose of these is to explore and celebrate diversity and culture. Our Chinese day proved to be a particular success, with Chinese themed decorations and delicious food. The feedback for this event was overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to have many more in the future. Our council meetings have also helped the Sixth Form determine how the prefects should orientate themselves. The students wanted friendly, trustworthy prefects, who they could talk to. Indeed, their honest feedback is truly invaluable to us. Whilst many ideas have been brought to life through the School Council this year, many more are in the works. These will further improve the student’s quality of life at school, and make Handsworth Grammar School an even more enjoyable place to obtain one’s education. Fortunately, the Senior Leadership team are receptive to our ideas and are sensitive to the wants and needs of the students they are responsible for. Overseeing the School Council has been a thought-provoking and enjoyable way to spend my final year at Handsworth Grammar, and I hope the Council continues as long as the school stands. I encourage students, parents and staff alike to ponder upon what changes could be made for the benefit of all, and to take an active role in education. As I conclude my seven years here, I can only look back and praise all my teachers who have given me their time and effort. A-levels especially have been tough, but I cannot think of any better place to do them but in the Sixth Form. The positive work environment and universal work ethic has been encouraging. Any year elevens wondering whether to stay or to go…stay! Leaving Handsworth Grammar School is bittersweet, as although it is exciting to make the next steps in life, the school has been a major part of my life so far. I will always look back at my time here with fondness. I am extremely grateful to all my Teachers and peers who have supported me, and have made my time at Handsworth Grammar School so enjoyable. Seth Griffiths Chair of the School Council Pupil Power Summerhill School was founded in 1921 by liberal thinker AS Neill and swiftly became a model for progressive and democratic education worldwide. At Summerhill the rules are made by the pupils and those rules are agreed at the thrice weekly school council meetings where teachers and pupils all have one vote. As the pupils outnumber the teachers five to one the decisions are effectively made by the pupils. Pupils make the rules and decide an appropriate punishment for those who transgress those rules. Although there are versions of Summerhill established all over the world the philosophy of AS Neill is popular only with a minority and is certainly not the position of the majority of parents or Ofsted! However Neill certainly established the idea of school councils which provides pupils with an opportunity to express their views and concerns as well as suggest changes and improvements to their school. School councils are estimated to be operating in 90% of UK schools and so Neill’s legacy lives on giving students the voice he wanted them to have. He created the first school council almost a hundred years ago! Ms Brown