School Council meets inTown Hall

by St Edmunds Catholic Primary School

We held a council meeting at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, in the Council Chambers, we felt like V.I.Ps sitting in the big comfy chairs. Jacob went through the agenda and we brought up all of the issues from our class council times. We enjoyed discussing things in the council chamber it seemed to make more sense. We felt that we got more out of this meeting than any of the others, maybe because we felt like real Councillors.

The Town Hall is normally used by real Councillors or the Mayor. We looked at the roles of local and national government and could see where we fitted in. Some quotes from our councillors:

“I felt happy having our school council meeting in the Town Hall, I felt like a V.I.P. and I felt important!” Mollyann, Year 6

“I felt like a superstar or a V.I.P. and a proper councillor! The chamber was like a maze of chairs and tables. I felt very important as a secretary in a high chair, it was so cool!” Kathryn, Year 5

“When I knew I was going to the council chamber I was excited. I sat in the middle of the room and the door was open so people could look in and see me, so I made a good impression! I felt like I was the boss!” Jacob, Year 6

“I felt excited because I had never been before, I really wanted to know what it was like in a council chamber and I couldn’t wait to sit on the BIG chair!” Leon, Year 5 

“I felt really happy because I felt important. There was a picture of the Queen hanging just outside the chamber, she is really important.” Jade, Year 4

So to sum up, the children seemed to find being in the council chamber stimulating and thought provoking, the discussion that came from some of the issues brought up was the best we have ever had. It gave them an enlightened view of the role of a school councillor and what they can do. It also showed them that there are similarities between them and national and local government. All Councillors that were there gave positive feedback at the next council meeting and wondered whether they could have their meeting there every week! The Chairperson’s response was, “Unfortunately not!” We will definitely use it again though!