Rights Links: Article 12 – Respect for the Views of the Child; Article 15 – Freedom of Association; Article 29 – Goals of Education
Listening to, and involving, children
The term 'pupil voice' refers to ways of listening to the views of pupils and involving them in decision-making. At Sydenham, we believe in engaging children as active participants in their education and in making a positive contribution to our school and our local community.
Why involve children?
At Sydenham Primary School, we are committed to the promotion and protection of children's rights, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This states that children and young people should have opportunities to express their opinion in matters that affect their lives.
We think that there are many benefits of involving children in decision-making, including:
- It encourages pupils to become active participants in a democratic society - by holding our school council and other committees which develop skills such as co-operation and communication, and encourage pupils to take responsibility.
- It contributes to achievement and attainment - pupils involved in participative work benefit in a range of different ways. Increased confidence, self-respect, competence and an improved sense of responsibility have all been reported by pupils who contribute in school. Staff also report increased motivation and engagement with learning.
Currently, children at Sydenham Primary School can be involved in pupil leadership in the following roles:
- School Councillors
- UNICEF Rights Respecting School Ambassadors
- Arts Ambassadors
- Online Safety Committee members
- Eco Committee members