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Pupil Voice at the Brook School

Respecting and developing the pupils’ voices is at the heart of the Brook. Communication is central and we have many pupils who have communication or social interaction difficulties, which means that their voices are not always easily heard. All supporting adults help the pupils find and use their voices and at times will act as an advocate. Pupils are constantly encouraged and enabled to have a pertinent, enthusiastic, listened to, heard and influential voices. Their thoughts, opinions and attitudes are considered throughout the day and, where possible, pupils are given choices and offered opportunities to express themselves. Art, music, drama, dance, and planned PSED sessions allow the pupils to share as much of their personalities as they want to with their peers and support staff.
The pupil’s differences are celebrated daily and each child is made to feel part of the school.  They work, play and learn in a positive environment and feel a strong sense of belonging.  Peer advocacy is a clear focus at the Brook and by enabling the pupils to support each other and work collaboratively alongside each other they form a formidable mouthpiece. This also helps the pupils develop their self-esteem; manage their behaviour and inevitably become more independent through encouraging their personal, social and emotional development. The school is considered ‘ everyone’s school’ and all pupils and staff have a responsibility for shaping the future on Broadwaters. This approach goes hand in hand with the Brook’s culture of high pupil expectations and giving pupils ownership of their lives

School Student Council
 
The School Council is made up of  pupil representatives, one from each of the classes from Foundation through to KS2. Their classmates and class staff elect the reps at the beginning of the academic year to represent the views of the class at the council meetings. Meetings take place every two weeks and have a different topic focus each time. Topics include school dinners, the playground, inclusion, whole school events and joint Broadwaters events. Each class discusses the chosen topic together and decides on what they want to share with the council. They communicate their views via their class student council book. This can include written messages, symbols, pictures, photos or drawings. The reps take these books to the council meetings and share their class’ views in turn.
Meetings are fortnightly and move from the individual classes to Key Stage Councils; whole school Brook Council and Joint Brook/Willow student council. These fortnightly meetings are planned so that on average there will be two of each format every term.
Student Council Logo
The pupils are supported in every way to contribute to each meeting with the appropriate use of support staff and communication aids. The opinions, ideas and viewpoints from the meetings are shared with the school community and where possible action is taken to adhere to the wishes / needs of the pupils.

Student Council Projects

Broadwaters Inclusive mural (2019)

The aim of this joint project was to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity. Willow and Brook students came together to leave their hand prints in a mural that is the statement of our vision.

Food and shelter for animals – Fox Forest (2020)

The aim of this project was to teach children about the wildlife in our Fox Forest, and what we can do to help, such as, creating shelters and feed the animals during the cold winter months.

Fairy Trail – Fox Forest (2020 cont.)

This project brought The Brook children to the Fox Forest to play and to imagine creative worlds through a Fairy Trail.

Recycling Project (2021)

As part of the Students Council, and the aim to teach children about waste and recycling, we decided to challenge classes to produce upcycled crafts for an exhibition.

Green Flag 2022 award - Eco Schools Programme

After a meeting with our friends at the Willow we decided to focus our actions for the Eco Schools programme on three main topics, Waste, Healthy Living and Biodiversity. We were delighted to recieve the Green flag award!


 
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