At The British School of Amsterdam we believe it is important that we consult with our pupils and consider their opinions, ideas and thoughts, to help us to evaluate what the children like about their school and what we can do to make it even better for them.
Junior School
Pupils gain vital experience in developing their young leadership skills through a variety of activities, including the Junior School Council, which meets each week and is made up of an elected pupil from each class.
The School Council works on different projects over the year, including playground design and resources, raising money for local charities, and having input into school issues such as our anti-bullying promise. Children can join the Eco Squads in Years 2 and 3, or the Planet Protectors, Years 4 to 6. These groups take on responsible roles such as being Power Rangers and Recycling Champions, and helping us work towards our Eco Schools Award.
In Year 6 children apply to become Prefects, and have a range of duties across each week, including collecting house points, reading with the younger children, and taking care of the library. Every class has a range of monitor duties and the children take part in writing their class charter at the start of each year. Children are very enthusiastic when asked to act as buddies for new starts, helping them get to know the school and its routines.
Senior School
Pupils have a valuable contribution to make to the effectiveness of the school.
Active participation in an appropriate manner in the operation of the Senior School is a valuable dimension of a pupil’s educational experience, providing preparation for citizenship and fostering a mature attitude. A Student Council provides an opportunity for pupils to engage in a structured partnership with teachers, parents and school leaders in the operation of the school. At the Senior School our Student Council is led by members of our Senior Prefect Team. They hold regular meetings with representatives from all year groups on the council.
Pupil voice focus groups have been set up in the school so pupils have a voice in reviewing, evaluation and possibly making changes school wide in areas such as teaching and learning, curriculum development and extra-curricular activities.