Pupil Leadership
At Harris Primary Chobham, we strongly believe in the value and importance of leadership at all levels, including pupil leadership. We recognise that fostering leadership skills in our students not only empowers them to take ownership of their learning and personal growth but also prepares them to become responsible and active citizens in their communities.
We believe that pupil leadership is not just about holding positions of authority, but also about developing the qualities and skills that make effective leaders. Through these leadership opportunities, our students learn important attributes such as empathy, resilience, and integrity. They develop the ability to listen to others, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions. These skills are transferable and will benefit our students throughout their lives.
School Council
One way we provide opportunities for our pupils to experience leadership is through our school council. The school council is a representative body made up of students from different year groups who are elected by their peers. The council meets regularly to discuss and address issues that are important to the student body. This platform allows our pupils to develop their communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They learn to voice their opinions, listen to others, and work collaboratively to make positive changes within the school.
The school council helps pupils to:
- Feel that their school responds to their needs;
- Have the opportunity to let adults know their feelings and opinions about things that affect them;
- Have a say about decisions, and to play an active role in making their school a better place;
- Develop active life skills through participating.
This half term, our student council met with the kitchen staff to discuss the quality and quantity of food offered to primary students. Most of their ideas and suggestions were taken on board and the kitchen staff will implement them in the next cycle.
The council have also been taking part in the Energy Sparks programme to raise awareness amongst students and staff on the environment and to help to make Chobham more energy efficient.
Eco Warriors
We are proud to boast our excellent eco-council. Our primary eco warriors meet every fortnight and is made up of two enthusiastic volunteers from each class. These students are passionable about improving Chobham's sustainability and have already done so much to improve our carbon footprint! This year, they have designed inspiring climate change posters which can be seen all across the school! They have designed inspiring climate change posters which can be seen all across the school. Our eco team have worked hard behind the scenes to collect data on Chobham’s carbon footprint, and they have even entered competitions in hopes to further develop our outside area! We can’t wait to see what our eco council do next!
OPAL Play Leaders
Play Leaders help make playtime safe, inclusive, and fun for everyone. They ensure that all students play fairly, encourage teamwork, and make sure no one feels left out. Play Leaders support the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme by setting up and putting away resources, promoting creative and exploratory play, and introducing activities such as nature scavenger hunts, building forts, and organising physical challenges. They also provide feedback to the OPAL staff team to continuously improve playtime experiences.
Wellbeing Champions
Wellbeing Champions play a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive school environment. They help their classmates resolve conflicts peacefully, listen to both sides of an issue, and encourage open discussions about feelings to find fair solutions. Wellbeing Champions ensure that everyone is treated with respect and fairness, while also providing support to those who may need help with friendships. They run the Wellbeing Hub during lunchtimes, offering a safe space for students to relax and talk about their feelings. In addition, they organise activities that promote mental health and wellbeing, such as mindfulness sessions, creative arts, group games, and discussion circles. Wellbeing Champions are good listeners, fair, and calm under pressure, helping to make the school a happier place. By becoming a Wellbeing Champion, students develop leadership skills, learn conflict resolution, and contribute to a caring and supportive community.
Digital Leaders
Digital Leaders are passionate about technology and love helping others. They assist classmates and teachers with using iPads, laptops, and computers, and show everyone how to stay safe online by creating informative posters. Digital Leaders take care of the school's technology, ensuring devices are handled properly and stored safely. They also help with school assemblies and lessons related to technology and suggest creative ways the school can use tech. Additionally, they work with exciting robotics and coding equipment like Lego SPIKE kits.
Librarians
School Librarians play an important role in fostering a love of reading within the school community. They help classmates find books they'll enjoy, recommend titles based on personal preferences, and keep the library organized and tidy. School Librarians assist with setting up book displays, organizing library events, and supporting the Scholastic Book Fair. They also contribute to World Book Day activities like storytelling sessions and book-themed games. In addition, they help create reading lists, organize reading challenges and book clubs, and fundraise for new books. School Librarians meet with Miss Jolicoeur fortnightly to discuss library initiatives and ensure the space is welcoming for everyone.
Year 6 House Captains
At Chobham, we're proud to have House Captains who embody our school values of inclusion, curiosity, excellence, empathy, and respect. Selected from our Year 6 cohort, these students undertake various responsibilities that contribute to our school community. Our House Captains play a pivotal role during assemblies, ensuring adherence to rules and setting a positive example for their peers. They assist in the smooth running of Star of the Week assemblies by collecting certificates and ensuring parents feel welcome. During lunch duty, they lend a helping hand to younger students at the salad bar. They also take charge of tidying up the library and organizing lost property, ensuring items find their way back to their rightful owners. Additionally, our House Captains act as hosts for external visitors and offer tours, including prospective job candidates, showcasing the warmth and vibrancy of our school community.