Hyde Park Schools

Pupil Voice and Leadership 

At Hyde Park Schools, we believe that every pupil has the right to be heard and the potential to be a leader. We empower our pupils to play a central role in school life, helping to shape our community and make it an even better place to learn and grow. Our commitment to pupil voice is demonstrated through our specialised pupil councils, ambassadorships, and leadership roles. 

Pupil Councils 

Our pupil councils are a practical way we embed British values and our schools’ ethos into daily life. We give pupils hands-on opportunities to practice democracy and leadership. 

Pupils can apply to join one of several focused councils that tackle specific areas of school life. These councils give our pupils a direct voice and the opportunity to lead projects that make a real difference. Each council is made up of pupils who are passionate about their area and are ready to contribute their ideas and efforts. The councils include: 

• Play Council: Focuses on improving break and lunchtimes and promoting positive play. 
• Sports Council: Works to enhance school sports and physical education. 
• Media and Arts Council: Promotes creativity and shares school news through various media. 
• Nature and Eco Council: Leads initiatives to make our school more environmentally friendly. 
• Teaching and Learning Council: Gathers feedback on lessons and helps to improve the learning experience for all pupils. 
• Charity Council: Organizes fundraising events and supports various charitable causes. 

This approach develops problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills, while encouraging pupils to be brave and ambitious with their ideas. 

Ambassadors and Monitors 

We believe that leadership begins in the classroom. Our pupil leadership roles empower children to take on responsibility, serve their school community, and become role models for their peers. We offer a variety of ambassadorships and monitorships, ensuring every pupil has the chance to lead and contribute. 

Our Ambassadors 

Our dedicated team of pupil ambassadors works to champion key areas of school life. These pupils are passionate advocates who help shape our school's culture and values. 

• School of Sanctuary Ambassadors: Our ambassadors will play a vital role in helping our school become a certified School of Sanctuary. They will help promote a culture of welcome and inclusion, raising awareness about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary. 
• Library Ambassadors: These pupils are the champions of our library. They assist with organising books, help younger pupils find stories they love, and encourage a love of reading throughout the school. 
• Maths and Literacy Ambassadors: These pupils support our core curriculum by assisting teachers and helping their classmates with maths and literacy activities. They are excellent role models who show that learning is both fun and rewarding. 
• Reading Buddies: Our Reading Buddies are older pupils who volunteer their time to read with younger pupils. This programme not only helps younger pupils improve their reading skills but also fosters a special bond between different year groups. 

Class Monitors 

From Reception onwards, every pupil has the opportunity to be a class monitor. These roles are a simple but effective way of teaching responsibility and helping pupils understand the importance of contributing to the smooth running of the classroom. These small acts of service, from tidying up to helping a classmate, build confidence and lay the foundation for future leadership. 

Head Boy and Head Girl 

The roles of Head Boy and Head Girl are the highest pupil leadership positions at Hyde Park Schools. This is a rigorous and realistic process that mirrors a real-life election. Pupils who wish to stand for the roles must go through a formal application process, deliver a compelling speech, and participate in a detailed interview. They then run an official campaign to present their vision to the school community. Finally, the entire pupil body casts their votes in a true democratic election. The Head Boy and Head Girl serve as role models for their peers, representing the school at events and working with staff to lead key initiatives. 

Linking to British Values 

The structure of our pupil councils and leadership roles are a living example of British values in action. 

• Democracy: The process for electing council members and, in particular, the Head Boy and Head Girl, is a direct application of democracy. Pupils learn to apply, campaign, and vote in a realistic election, understanding that their voice and vote matter. 
• The Rule of Law: Council members learn about creating, upholding, and respecting rules. They understand that policies and procedures are necessary for the smooth running of the school and for ensuring a safe and fair environment for all. 
• Individual Liberty: By choosing which council to apply for and by bringing their own unique ideas forward, pupils are exercising their individual liberty. The school supports them in making these choices and in taking responsibility for their actions and ideas. 
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Being on a council requires pupils to listen to, respect, and represent the diverse views of their classmates. This promotes tolerance and teamwork, as they work together on projects that benefit the entire school community.