Student Council

At The Cornerstone Academy the role of the Student Council is paramount and the involvement of our council is integral throughout our everyday school lives and community. 

We believe that it is the voice of the students through a structured forum which empowers our young people to play an active role in school life.

Our Student Voice is involved in the recruitment process for new appointments at Cornerstone, from the initial tours to interviewing the most senior management level candidates, such as the Principal.

Every Tutor group has two student representatives, who are democratically elected each October. The process is supported with the external help of Electoral Services and polling day is mirrored to that of a real-life election; complete with ballot papers, polling booths and an official count all finalised with the returning officer announcing the successful candidates.

The Student Council have an active role within the BCP's Youth Voice Forum and have regular meetings with Becky McDade, the Youth Development Worker for participation. These external meetings, really allow the students at Cornerstone to help shape their environment and opportunities within our community. The Student Council have won awards for their Community project work and engagement with our community members.

At our meetings direct action takes place through inviting the adults to listen to views and work out new solutions and trial new ideas. For example :-

• Values Day activity suggestions
• PE kit has been changed to allow a tracksuit to be worn 
• Prize suggestions for the end of term raffle draws Unisex shorts have been introduced for the school uniform
• Extra benches and picnic tables outside 
• Additional litter and recycling bins have been provided
• Charity work and charities to support
• Library initiatives and reading material suggestions
• Changes to the student planner
• Continually altering the menus for the canteen
• Travel Ambassadors working with Sustrans
• Power House Project Participation
  
  The Student Council also plays a major role in reviewing and revising policies.

Two students are democratically elected from each tutor group. Student council meetings are then carried out each term during lesson time which really shows the level of importance placed on our student voice. At each meeting there will be people present who can give direct answers and discuss points. The Governors can often be seen at these meetings alongside our Catering Manager, Mrs Tuffin and Site Leader, Mr Murphy.

Each Student Council Representative has a duty to listen to their peers, take their input to form the next agenda and feedback information following meetings. Council Reps are served tea and biscuits at the meetings and minutes are taken; students have the opportunity to take turns in leading as Chairperson.

If you have any further questions or suggestions about the Student Voice at The Cornerstone Academy please feel free to contact me at lidgardk@cornerstoneacademy.org.uk

Miss Kristy Lidgard
Student Council Coordinator

Student council elections took place on the 22nd October.