Launched in Spring 2020, the school council network is an initiative that brings pupils from all our secondary schools together to share best practice, promote the work they are undertaking and have an opportunity to hear more about education matters in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The meetings are facilitated by the Vale Youth Service as a way to provide on going pupil voice support. It is also supported by Cllr Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Education in the Vale of Glamorgan. As a result of Covid-19 the meetings have been held online through Microsoft Teams.

A meeting took place on the 9th July with 6 secondary schools in attendance another meeting took place on the 5^th November with 5 secondary schools in attendance. We have welcomed guest speakers at the network meetings, pupils have had the opportunity to find out more about Project Zero, hear about School Counselling Services, which is led by Barnardo’s as well as hearing about the process of registering to vote.

School council network meetings will take place once a term to provide pupils from all our secondary schools an opportunity in the academic year to attend the meetings. We hope to share regular updates from the school council network through VOGBLOG platform.

St Cyres – “ The Pupils Voice Network meeting was a terrific way to collaborate and develop an understanding of what our peers in other schools are doing. The concepts that were discussed were interesting and significant such as matters regarding the ‘everyone’s invites list’ and the environment. It was also amazing to hear about the recent affairs of the Vale developments from Counsellor Burnett and I look forward to hearing more”.​

Cowbridge School – “We attended the Vale of Glamorgan joint School Council meeting on Friday 9th July. We found this meeting a good opportunity to hear from school councils across the Vale and to be able to share ideas. This way of working allowed us to feel part of the community and know that we are staying on track by completing proactive projects throughout the year.

Pencoedtre: “In the school council network meeting we discussed all the ways we’ve been involved in improving our school and the community around us .some of the things we talked about were that a few of our school members were running for Welsh youth parliament rep, in addition we discussed how we have a scheme in place for MAT pupils to have university and further education opportunities. We further mentioned how our new school would be revolutionary and become a community building to not only enhance everyone’s learning but to make it a welcoming place people want to be. “

Pencoedtre: “We have recently presented a series of assemblies to mark Black history month and pupils of different ethnic origins spoke about their heritage and their beliefs. We also have a new scheme in school with after school activities, a free meal and revision sessions to support pupils who may not have facilities at home.“