Training and Resources
Regional Training Days
These are one-day events organised by us across the UK for teachers and students to share best practice and develop skills for effective participation.
Regional Training Days have proved to be an effective way of
ensuring that participants gain the enthusiasm, skills and ideas
necessary to make their council work.
“Brilliant day! My pupils really enjoyed the whole day, I’d recommend it to anyone”
Headteacher, Debden CE Primary
Please note that some of the sessions on these courses are taught to pupils and teachers separately. Please contact us for further details.
Primary Courses
A one day course for staff and pupils to identify how they can make their pupil voice effective through the school council.
Participants will:
- Explore the purpose, scope and benefits of a pupil council
- Identify and develop skills for efficient and productive meetings
- Engage in discussions about democracy and representation
- ... and more
Advancing Pupil Voice
A one day course for established school councils to further develop their pupil voice skills and structures. This course will support their involvement in issues at the heart of school improvement.
Participants will:
- Explore the effectiveness of their own school council and address areas of concern
- Develop further discussion and decision making skills
- Identify how the council can be at the heart of pupil voice throughout the school and can be sustained year on year.
- ...and more
Primary Prices
- One teacher and two pupils: £295
- Additional teacher(s): £150
- Additional pupil(s): £70
- Teacher only: £195
Primary Dates
Pathways to Pupil Voice
London: 9th
June 2009
London: 13th January 2009
Bristol: 4th February 2009
Manchester: 25th February 2009
A one day course for established school councils to further develop their student voice skills and structures.
Participants will:
- Explore the purpose, scope and benefits of a student council
- Identify and develop skills for efficient and productive meetings including discussion, decision-making and negotiation skills
- Develop project management and presentation skills to help them make a success of their future proposals and activities
- ... and more
Advancing Student Voice
This course will support the involvement of students in issues at the core of school improvement.
Participants will:
- Explore how school council structures can be at the centre of effective student voice
- Share practical ideas,
guidance and resources to take back to school
After the first session, participants will be able to choose to focus on either 'Teaching & Learning' or 'Improving Behaviour'
Option 1- Teaching & Learning
Participants will:
- Explore participation methods
- Identify boundaries and potential causes of conflict within this field
- Become familiar with
resources for students observing lessons
Option 2- Improving Behaviour
Participants will:
- Explore behaviour, motivations and policies
- Develop mediation skills
- Discuss child protection
and boundary issues
Secondary Prices
- One teacher and two students: £375
- Additional teacher(s): £175
- Additional student(s): £100
- Teacher only: £225
Secondary Dates
Pathways to Student Voice
London: 10th
June 2009
Advancing Student Voice
Bristol: 5th
February 2009
Partnership between staff and pupils
By working together with staff and pupils on our training days, we help to establish a constructive working relationship – an essential ingredient for a successful student council. We provide an environment where staff and pupils can explore issues together and develop a joint vision for their school council.
"Last time we started a School Council, it didn’t last very long.
Now we have a much better idea of what to do. Today has given us more
understanding of how a School Council should function, and a bit more respect
for the teachers!"
Ellen Hall, King John
Secondary School, Benfleet, Essex
Sessions to meet the needs of schools
We also offer sessions where staff can find out how student councils address
aspects of the national curriculum for citizenship. This provides an
opportunity to raise issues around staff roles and the place of student
councils within the overall school organisation.
"I found it very enjoyable listening to the pupils and staff views
and experiences. Having participated in both the secondary and the primary
training I have an excellent overview of how the school council process can
develop active citizens. Thank You."
Sue Tregear, West
Sussex County
Council