At St Olave’s, we pride ourselves on our pupils having a voice.

We value their views on every aspect of school life where possible. We want to nurture a culture where all children feel listened to, valued, respected and empowered.  

The school parliament has a genuine voice and has, for example, promoted eco-awareness by recommending that single-use plastic cups are replaced by compostable ones throughout the school; this awareness of democratic influence helps pupils to gain a good appreciation of decision-making processes in broader society.

ISI June 2019

All staff are always ready to listen to the views of the children. Currently there are many opportunities for listening to our pupils on key issues in our school.

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

An Anti-Bullying Ambassador is someone who has been trained by The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign. 
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors (ABA’s) help educate their peers on bullying, lead on anti-bullying campaigns, promote a culture which celebrates and tolerates difference and help keep their peers safe both online and offline.  Our ABAs meet regularly – about twice a month – to discuss ways in which to promote the programme and share ideas about how to offer support to the children who may require it.

Job description

To become one of our ABA’s children should demonstrate the following:

  • They are passionate and committed about stopping bullying in our school
  • They know what bullying is and what type of behaviour is and isn’t bullying
  • They work with their peers and staff to stop bullying in our school
  • They are someone who is kind, empathetic, a good listener and supports their peers
  • They help to run days in our school that raise awareness of bullying and promote kindness
  • They celebrate the things that make you and others special and unique
  • They keep everyone up to date with all of the brilliant Anti-Bullying work the school does
     
Wellbeing Champions

Our Wellbeing Champions work closely with the staff Wellbeing team and represent pupil voice in relation to the wellbeing of their class. They work hard to raise awareness of positive wellbeing in their own class and throughout the school community. This team leads in a range of activities to support the positive wellbeing of their peers, staff and parents. Wellbeing Champions spread joy, lift people’s spirits and are there for anyone in their time of need.

School Parliament

One child from each class, from Years 1 to Year 6, are elected by their classmates each year to represent their class at School Parliament meetings. They meet once a fortnight, where the Chairperson goes through an agenda discussing improving the school community and representing the views of all pupils. The MPs bring suggestions, thoughts and ideas from their classes to the School Parliament forum, and Mrs O’Sullivan will take things forward to SLT depending on the practicalities and priorities.

MPs are involved in planning and facilitating a number of campaigns each year.  The ideas for the campaigns come from discussions with the MPs. Past and current campaigns have included:

Safer Southwood Road Campaign - this was a petition launched by the MPs to improve road safety outside our school. The MPs also met and presented their ideas to our local MP, Clive Efford. (Local)

  • Children in Need (National)
  • Readathon (National)
  • Play at school (local)
  • We Walk for Water (global)
  • Anti-bullying (local)
  • Eco-Action Plan (local)
Peer Mentors

Children from Years 5 and 6 have been specially trained to help with the younger children.  They are to be found in the playground at lunchtime and before school. They have been trained in friendship, how to listen, empathy and assertiveness, what to do about secrets, confidentiality and Child Protection, how to support other pupils with positive play skills, how to play games with other pupils and signposting issues to members of staff.

Digital Leaders

A team of children who are passionate about computing and are able to help develop this area in our school.  

Green Team

Watch this space for our new Junior Environment Champions.

School Newspaper

We have a school newspaper that is published each term.  Each class has a chance to add their views and articles.

Junior Travel Ambassadors

The Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTAs) are two pupils from each Year 4 class who are responsible for promoting active travel such as walking, cycling, scootering and road safety.  They also help prepare children for more independent travel in Year 6 and when they transfer to Secondary school. The JTAs work with the school Travel Plan Champions – Miss Scott and Mrs Fowler-Wright, to carry out assemblies, conduct surveys, give classroom talks, and help complete the School Travel Plan.  They plan and run competitions and special events each year.

Suggestion box

A suggestion box is located in the Reception Area for children to write any suggestions for improving the school community. The box is checked weekly by a member of School Parliament and any suggestions are added to AOB at the School Parliament Meetings. St Olave’s children have fantastic ideas to improve the school and School Parliament members bring their suggestions back to the meetings.

Pupil Questionnaires

We question all pupils on their opinion each year.