Pupil Parliament
How Pupil Parliament works
The Pupil Parliament fosters leadership opportunities for pupils, enabling them to develop valuable skills in communication, organisation and debating through key roles, responsibilities and new experiences. The Pupil Parliament structure follows a structure similar to the UK Government, adhering to democratic processes. It allows pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 to be actively involved in shaping the direction of Smitham, encouraging both leadership and independence.
The Pupil Parliament benefits all pupils, staff, parents and the wider community by providing pupils with opportunities to voice their opinions and influence decisions that impact them. We believe this is essential for nurturing a sense of responsibility and involvement in school life.
How can pupils join the Pupil Parliament?
At the start of each academic year, following an assembly and discussions in class, pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 are encouraged to apply to become a Member of Pupil Parliament – an MPP.
During election week, pupils can nominate themselves and write and deliver a speech to their classmates. After listening to all the speeches and taking part in a democratic election, all pupils vote at classroom polling stations, the candidate with the highest number of votes is elected as the MPP for their class.
The representatives receive a letter of congratulations and sign paperwork agreeing to follow the Smitham Pupil Parliament expectations.
Student Leadership Team
Joey - Head of Pupil Parliament
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Joey. For those of you who do know me, I'm still Joey! I was so happy to be elected Head of Pupil Parliament. My three younger siblings attend Smitham and I really wanted to be someone they look up to. I also wanted to help create an even better school for them to grow in. Whilst in role I would like to focus on everyone's wellbeing - students and staff. I want our school to continue to be a place where people feel happy, safe, included and listened to. I want to listen to everyone's ideas. I don't want to promise a swimming pool, chocolate fountain or a 4 day week...though I think we can all agree that any of those would be great! Instead, I want to hear what everyone thinks would make our school even better. Someone will have an idea that nobody has thought of yet and I will do my best to make it heard. I also want to make sure that younger children have a voice, just because they are in Reception or Year One does not mean their ideas are unimportant. I know being Head Student is more than standing in assemblies and wearing a badge. It is about being someone people can trust. It is about being kind and helping others and most importantly it is about being willing to listen.
Daisy – Deputy Head Member of Pupil Parliament
My name is Daisy and I am very excited to be taking on the role of Deputy Head Member of Pupil Parliament. I believe I will be a real asset to the Student Leadership team as I am kind, helpful, enthusiastic and caring. I always try my best to make people feel welcome, included and supported. During my time at Smitham, I have been lucky enough to have a range of different responsibilities that have shown me how important it is to listen to other people's ideas, work as part of a team and make positive changes. I know that I can't make changes by myself, but by working together and listening to other people's ideas we can make our school even better.
Hannah – Deputy Head Member of Pupil Parliament
What makes a great Student Leader? Is it being the most popular? Is it being the loudest voice in the room? Or is it listening to others, having great ideas and actually doing something about them? I think it is that last one. My name is Hannah and I am kind, honest, hard-working and sometimes funny! I genuinely care about those around me. I love helping others, including those in younger years and I always try to spread positivity at school. I'll do everything in my power to continue to make Smitham a place where students look forward to coming every day, a school where people feel happy, included and heard. I believe everyone has something to contribute and to me everyone matters. I believe in teamwork as people are fine on their own, but they're fantastic as a team. I promise to listen, work hard, speak up and take action.