Student Councils

The Student Councils give all students at Hasmonean the opportunity to take responsibility for their school and to suggest ways in which it can improve. There are democratic Student Councils at both the Boys' and the Girls' Schools. Both councils meet regularly to discuss issues for the students' academic and social well-being. Representatives from each of the councils meet regularly with the Executive Headteacher and with the Headteachers of the Boys' and Girls' Schools.

The Student Council is a representative structure through which students can become involved in the affairs of the school. It is made up of students only. The Council works in partnership with school management, staff and parents for the benefit of Hasmonean and our students.

The Student Council promotes issues of citizenship and aims to help enhance personal development of students in the school. The Student Council has an active role in the school, promoting the student voice and encouraging greater awareness of students' needs. All students have the opportunity to participate in an annual survey that seeks their views on the work of the school.

Each Council has a link person between students and the leadership team. At the Boys' School the link is Mr D Vincent, our boys' Informal Educator, and at the Girls' School, the link is Miss G Goldberg, one of our Learning Support Assistants.

Current Issues

Both schools raise very large amounts of money for charity. They also raise awareness of local, national and international crises, inviting speakers and doing activities such as selling t-shirts to raise awareness and money for the people of Darfur.

The Year 11 girls' focus group on Middle School homework planner has formulated a questionnaire that is now to go to the boys' school council for consideration.

Girls' School Student Council

The Council has researched student views on the use of paper towels in the toilets and the possibility of replacing these with hand dryers. A discussion was held on the environmental aspects of extensive paper usage in the school, and further research was carried out on eco-friendly hand dryers. Mr J. Curzon, Head of Business and Resources, supported our Council by doing further research and discovered an environmentally friendly hand dryer which dries the hands in 10 seconds. These are now on order and will be piloted at the Girls' School.

In response to a Year 8 Girls' student focus group, a pilot study skills session programme is being devised and delivered by Miss R Stern. The first session, which was voluntary, took place in March 2008. Attendance was high and feedback from the students was very positive.

Boys' School Student Council

Issues surrounding homework and hygiene issues have been discussed by the student council. The Homework Survey results were presented to the school council by the Deputy Headteacher responsible for Learning and Teaching.

Future Initiatives

The Student Councils aim to give students a forum to work in partnership with the school leadership team in order to create a healthy and safe environment in which students' needs are met. We aim to enhance communication between staff and students, extend mentoring programmes for younger students and become involved in community projects. The School Councils will highlight personal awareness and anti-bullying policies for all students.