Our School Parliament

'Democracy is the form of government in which the free are rulers.'
Aristotle

At Hillcrest we value the children’s voices in decision making. The Hillcrest Parliament is made up of a representative - a class MP - from every class, from Reception to Year 6.

They meet with Ms Norman each term to talk about an aspect of school life that they can have an influence over. They have the opportunity to talk with their classmates, take on board any suggestions or questions that they may have and raise them with Ms Norman.

You can find out what they have been talking about this term, and the feedback and actions, at the foot of the page.

Here are our Class MPs for school year 2024/25

What are the three aims of our School Parliament?

1. Improve the school
2. Improve the local community
3. Help to achieve the United Nations global goals
 

This will be achieved by:

• Working and learning together
• Learning about democracy
• Learning how to play a positive role model in our community

Our Committees

In addition to the MPs, Hillcrest has four Committees set up to benefit all the pupils and school community. Children who want to be involved in decision making about their school and work with a team to make changes are encouraged to stand as committee members. Following class  hustings, when each candidate makes a presentation to their peers about why they would be the best choice for a particular committee, each class holds a democratic election to appoint their Committee Members. We have representatives from every class from Reception to Yr 6.

The school Parliament and Committees meet twice each term to work through their action plans.

Here are this year’s Committees:-

How does our school parliament work?

• Each class from Reception to Year 6 elects a class member of Parliament.
• MPs have meetings twice a term.
• In each meeting, MPs will discuss a question to be asked to the children of Hillcrest.
• Each MP will ask the question to their classmates in a meeting in class, facilitated by their teacher.
• The MP will take notes on their class’s point of view to feedback at the next Parliament meeting.
• This means that all children at Hillcrest have a voice that will be heard.

Why do we need a School Parliament? 

• To give over 400 children the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions
• To work alongside all the children in a collaborative manner
• To improve the school for everyone
• To provide positive role models who ignite aspiration in themselves and others
• To be an extension to the extra work that all the adults already do

Sharing our views

• MPs give feed back to their class during their meetings.
• Each Committee has a notice board for information sharing.
• Committees give feedback in the Hillcrest Blog.
• MPs and Committees give a summary of their achievements and actions to be added to the school website at the end of each academic year.

School Parliament News

Class MP's have questions which they take back to their classes to discuss with the children they represent:

Why do some children need fidget toys? Is this fair? Should they all be the same?

Feedback

Most children felt that if their friends need a fidget toy to help them concentrate they should have one. They thought the toys should all be the same and have their name on somehow.

Actions

Ms Norman will order BluTac and some little storage bags, so that all the fidget toys will be the same. Only teachers will give them out.

Should the school take part in Comic Relief (Red Nose Day) on March 21st?

Feedback

The overwhelming majority of classes said 'yes'. Children felt it was good to be kind and children could have fun at the same time. Some classes wanted more information on where the money was spent.

Actions 

• The group will register with Children in Need and get a fundraising pack for the school.
• They will let Friends (PTA) know what they are planning.
• They will organise an assembly in advance so the school knows the plan and what the money raised will be spent on.

Latest Committee News 

Health and Safety Committee

The committee met on 21st March and undertook two very important jobs!

Half of the group completed a 'spot check' on all the temporary Heras safety fencing. This has been installed as the builders are on Phase 3 of their roof repairs. 

The other half of the group helped design a schedule of works for Darak (our Site manager).  We're sure he will be thrilled!

Feedback 

• The committee identified one or two hazards with the fencing.
• Painting parts of the playground were high on the agenda, as well as the main gates.

Actions

• Ms Norman will be contacting the roofers with their findings about the fences.
• Ms Norman will liaise with Darak about the schedule of works.

Diversity Committee - Working towards being a School of Sanctuary