Our School Council gives pupils the opportunity to represent the views of their classmates and play an active role in shaping school life. It encourages pupils to develop confidence, leadership skills and a sense of responsibility while ensuring that pupil voice is at the heart of decision-making at Abbey Hill.

The School Council includes representatives from both our Primary and Secondary departments, with two pupils elected from each class every September. Through class discussions, questionnaires and regular meetings, representatives gather the views of their peers before bringing ideas to the council for discussion.

Meetings are led by Mrs P. Brown, where members work together to identify ways to improve the school, develop new initiatives and support projects that benefit our whole school community.

If you have an idea or suggestion, please speak to your School Council representative, who will be happy to share it at our next meeting.

School Council Projects

Our School Council works on a variety of projects throughout the year, responding to pupil voice and helping to shape school life. Current areas of focus include:

School Improvement

• Gathering pupil views to inform the School Development Plan.
• Conducting pupil questionnaires and class consultations.
• Listening to suggestions from pupils and sharing ideas with school leaders.
• Supporting improvements to the school environment and facilities.

Pupil Wellbeing and Enrichment

• Consulting pupils about lunchtime and after-school activities.
• Promoting opportunities that enhance learning, wellbeing and personal development.
• Encouraging pupils to have an active voice in decisions that affect their school experience.

Charity and Community

• Supporting charities chosen by our pupils through fundraising events such as non-uniform days and cake sales.
• Raising money for local and national charities, including Children in Need, the Beatrice Barge Charity and causes that are meaningful to our school community.
• Encouraging kindness, inclusion and community engagement.

Sustainability and Environmental Action

• Working alongside the Eco Council to promote environmental awareness.
• Supporting recycling initiatives and energy-saving campaigns.
• Encouraging pupils to make sustainable choices within school.

Health and Safety

• Promoting road safety through awareness campaigns and competitions.
• Encouraging pupils to contribute ideas that help keep our school a safe and positive place to learn.

ASPIRE School Council

To ensure every pupil has the opportunity to share their ideas, Abbey Hill has an ASPIRE School Council. One representative from each ASPIRE class attends meetings, with communication methods and resources adapted to meet the needs of all pupils. This enables every representative to participate confidently, express their views and contribute to decisions that help shape our school community.

Eco Council

Abbey Hill began its Eco Schools journey in September 2022 with the election of our first Eco Council. Since then, our pupils have taken an active role in promoting sustainability and encouraging environmentally responsible practices throughout the school.

Our Eco Council developed an Eco Code that reflects our school's commitment to caring for the environment. Working towards the internationally recognised Eco Schools Green Flag Award, pupils lead projects and campaigns that inspire positive environmental change within school and the wider community.

Eco Council Priorities

Each year, the Eco Council focuses on key environmental themes, including:

• Energy saving
• Reducing litter
• Healthy eating

Alongside these priorities, pupils continue to introduce new ideas that encourage everyone to care for our environment and make sustainable choices.

What is Eco Schools?

Eco Schools is the world's largest environmental education programme, empowering young people to make a positive difference within their schools and local communities.

The programme provides a simple seven-step framework that helps pupils explore environmental issues through practical, achievable projects. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, pupils are encouraged to take meaningful action within their own school.

Schools work across a range of environmental topics, enabling pupils to develop knowledge, responsibility and leadership skills while making a real difference. Through the enthusiasm and commitment of our Eco Council, Abbey Hill continues to build a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.