Pupils can have a greater voice at school

Do you have a voice at school?
How do you participate in school management?
Do you elect any representatives?
Do you elect a school council?
Are you satisfied with your system?

In Wales

The Welsh Assembly has just passed legislation to allow all schools in Wales to have school councils. The pupils will be able to give their views on school life ranging from the uniforms they wear, to the kind of food served at mealtimes. At secondary level, two representatives from the school council will be able to sit on the school's board of governors, but they will not be able to take part in discussions about disciplinary issues.

Welsh Education Minister, Jane Davidson, said: "Many young people don't feel that school is an environment where they can have their own views heard and what we are doing with this legislation is making sure their views are heard. The head and the governing body are now required by law to listen to the views of the pupils."

Tredegar Comprehensive School in Blaenau Gwent has just used the school council to bring about a change to the school uniform.
Head girl, Kayleigh Bennett, said: "The school council did a survey about what kind of school uniform people wanted. Lots of people said they wanted black and that's what we now have."
Head teacher Anna Foote said the council presented a sound case for change. "The council said the will of the school was that they wanted a black jumper, they saw it as part of quite a smart look they wanted to design."

What do you think?

Read the BBC text here.

Would you like to read more stories from Wales?

Try this BBC page.