Giffnock Primary Pupil Council

Why do we have a Pupil Council?

The Pupil Council is a way of giving pupils a say in the way our school is run and enables them to make changes for the better in our school.

The Pupil Council

The committee is comprised of one elected pupil representative from each class plus one teacher. A pupil council representative is a pupil who shows kindness, understanding and the ability to listen and take on board others’ points of views.

Our 2023-24 Pupil Council:

 

The Pupil Council has regular meetings and the representatives report back to their class. They ensure the Pupil Council noticeboard is kept up to date informing everyone of future events. The minutes of meetings are also posted on the school website.

Pupils can inform the Council of important issues via the following methods:
  • A suggestion box in class.
  • A notice board
  • Pupils can talk to their class representative during a class Pupil Council discussion slot.
The benefits of being part of the Pupil Council
  • Children develop problem solving, communication, leadership and enterprise skills.
  • Children are more interested and involved in what’s happening in the school.
  • Children feel safe, included, trusted, important, proud, helpful, responsible and respected.
What have we been working on recently?
Examples of Pupil Council Projects:
2018-19
  • Planning and development of our School Parliament
2017-18
  • Growth mindset development, including whole school signs and display and our Giffnock Growth Mindset Characters
2016-17
  • Helping to develop understanding in, and participation within, the authority changes to how children are admitted to different schools in East Renfrewshire
  • Helping to develop the ways in which writing is developed at Giffnock, for example through Story Writing competitions
  • Investigating and sharing the importance of a ‘Growth Mindset’ across the school’s classes and at assemblies, and investigating inspiring signs for the school environment
  • Pupil Council Growth Mindset Presentation
  • Helping to organise charity related activities like Red Nose Day
2015 – 2016
  • A school motto and logo was created as part of work relating to Values Visions and Aims for our school.
  • Just Trading Scotland Rice Challenge was completed, raising enough money to send 2 pupils in Malawi to secondary school.
2014 – 2015
  • Anti- bullying and restorative practices were developed across the school.
  • Contributed to planning and organising Dream Big Day which enhanced skills for learning, life and work.
2013 – 2014
  • The School House System was developed and improved.
  • Worked on raising awareness of the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators.