--- title: "News: School council" url: "https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/tag/school-council" school: "St Barnabas Primary School, A Church of England Academy" --- We are holding a number of open days for children due to start primary school in September 2027. Please see our admissions page for further details. Everyone welcome! # News: School council ![Image of KS2 Smart School Council ](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_4773.png) 10 Nov [2026-11-10-ks2-smart-school-council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-11-10-ks2-smart-school-council) #### [KS2 Smart School Council ](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-11-10-ks2-smart-school-council) Today, we held our first School Council meeting of the year, where we appointed a fantastic team of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who are eager to make a positive difference across our school. The children shared some brilliant ideas, discussed ways in which they can have a positive impact on school life and explored how they can ensure that every pupil’s voice is heard. We are incredibly proud of our new School Council members and look forward to seeing them develop their leadership skills, take responsibility and help make St Barnabas an even better place to learn and grow. ![Image of Smart School Council Debate in Year 4 ](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_2179(1).png) 25 Jun [2026-06-25-smart-school-council-debate-in-year-4](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-06-25-smart-school-council-debate-in-year-4) #### [Smart School Council Debate in Year 4 ](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-06-25-smart-school-council-debate-in-year-4) In our Smart School Council session today, we debated whether it is better to have online friendships rather than face to face friendships? The children had lots of great points to discuss within their groups but they came to the unanimous decisions that face to face is always best! ![Image of Year 3- Big Debate Club: Online vs. Face-to-Face Friends!](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-F474BE81-F7BA-496B-82C7-3D54A46F4679.png) 24 Jun [2026-06-24-year-3-big-debate-club-online-vs-face-to-face-friends](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-06-24-year-3-big-debate-club-online-vs-face-to-face-friends) #### [Year 3- Big Debate Club: Online vs. Face-to-Face Friends!](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-06-24-year-3-big-debate-club-online-vs-face-to-face-friends) In this week's class meeting, the children discussed the question: Can online friends be just as important as the friends you see in real life? After some brilliant discussion, the whole class ended up voting a big "yes!" Even though everyone agreed that nothing is better than hanging out face-to-face, mostly because you can actually play properly and mess around together, they made some fantastic points about why digital buddies matter too. They talked about how online friends are great for bonding over specific games or hobbies. We also talked about staying safe online, highlighting how important it is to always check with a trusted adult before talking to people or playing games on the internet. It was impressive to see the children realise that while online and real-life friendships feel totally different, they can both be good in their own ways! ![Image of Year 5 - Smart School Council](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_4163.jpeg) 20 May [2026-05-20-year-5-smart-school-council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-20-year-5-smart-school-council) #### [Year 5 - Smart School Council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-20-year-5-smart-school-council) The Year 5 members of Miss Kachwalla’s school council convened a meeting to discuss the latest issues brought up at the last council discussion. The children participated in group discussions before sharing their thoughts and ideas to the councillors, who recorded them. Year 5 proposed sensible improvements to school life at St Barnabas, such as new clubs and alternative uses of the school grounds. These ideas will go forward and be considered by the council. ![Image of Year 3- The Big Debate Club- Is it better to preserve traditions or embrace progress?](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-503DF98C-7EED-4E78-86A1-D06FE3F8EFC2.png) 13 May [2026-05-13-year-3-the-big-debate-club-is-it-better-to-preserve-traditions-or-embrace-progress](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-13-year-3-the-big-debate-club-is-it-better-to-preserve-traditions-or-embrace-progress) #### [Year 3- The Big Debate Club- Is it better to preserve traditions or embrace progress?](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-13-year-3-the-big-debate-club-is-it-better-to-preserve-traditions-or-embrace-progress) In class today, we took part in the Big Debate Club to discuss whether it is better to preserve traditions or embrace progress. Led by Harry and Charlie, the session was a fantastic showcase of oracy skills, with everyone focusing on active listening and critical thinking to weigh up both sides of the argument. The discussion explored how traditions provide us with a vital sense of identity and stability, while progress allows us to evolve and fix the mistakes of the past. We also celebrated our success in raising £163 for the big bake sale. ![Image of Smart School Councillors Raise £163 for 'The Brain Tumour Research'.](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-2BFA6D74-ADE7-4FB2-AE41-016E97892C64_(1).png) 8 May [2026-05-08-smart-school-councillors-raise-163-for-the-brain-tumour-research](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-08-smart-school-councillors-raise-163-for-the-brain-tumour-research) #### [Smart School Councillors Raise £163 for 'The Brain Tumour Research'.](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-05-08-smart-school-councillors-raise-163-for-the-brain-tumour-research) A huge thank you to all the parents and children for your incredible support at our recent bake sale; thanks to your generosity, we successfully raised £163.00 for ' The Brain Tumour Charity'. Our Smart School Councillors did a fantastic job organising the event and helping with the baking, resulting in an impressive spread of 180 biscuits and 100 fairy cakes. These funds will make a huge difference, allowing us to pay for 10 DNA preservation tubes and provide much-needed comfort to a child following their diagnosis by sending them a Brainy Bag and a cuddly bear. We are so proud of our students hard work and grateful to our wonderful community for helping us provide this vital support. ![Image of Year 3- Class Meeting- Should TIKTOK be banned?](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-FA217391-C790-444D-B78F-67604D3FDCDD.png) 17 Apr [2026-04-17-year-3-class-meeting-should-tiktok-be-banned](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-17-year-3-class-meeting-should-tiktok-be-banned) #### [Year 3- Class Meeting- Should TIKTOK be banned?](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-17-year-3-class-meeting-should-tiktok-be-banned) During our class meeting, James and Alice led a debate on whether TikTok should be banned. The children shared many strong points, with those in favour of a ban arguing that the app can be unsafe for young children, time-consuming, and sometimes used for unkind behaviour. On the other hand, those who disagreed pointed out that TikTok is a fun way to be creative, learn new skills like dancing or crafts, and stay connected with friends. After a long discussion where everyone gave good reasons for their opinions, we held a vote. The "Yes" side received the highest number of votes, so we will be taking further action on this in a few weeks. We also looked back at our work raising money for a brain tumour cure, showing how important it is for our class to speak up and take action for things we believe in. We will be baking to raise money soon. It is wonderful to see the class so eager to speak up and take real action to help others. ![Image of Year 6 - Smart School Council](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_2788.jpeg) 14 Apr [2026-04-14-year-6-smart-school-council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-14-year-6-smart-school-council) #### [Year 6 - Smart School Council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-14-year-6-smart-school-council) Today during our Smart School Council session, the meeting was led by our Year 6 representatives. The children confidently presented a debate to the class on whether TikTok should be banned, encouraging everyone to think critically about both the positive and negative aspects of social media. The children explored issues such as online safety, screen time and the impact social media can have on wellbeing, as well as recognising how it can be used positively for creativity and communication. The class engaged in a structured discussion, sharing their opinions respectfully, listening carefully to others and responding thoughtfully to different viewpoints. They also took part in a vote at the end of the session, justifying their decisions with clear reasoning. It was fantastic to see such mature, balanced and articulate contributions from all children. A brilliant example of pupil voice in action, helping to develop confidence, oracy skills and an understanding of democracy and modern life. ![Image of Year 5 Smart School Council Big Debate ](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_1076(1).jpeg) 14 Apr [2026-04-14-year-5-smart-school-council-big-debate](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-14-year-5-smart-school-council-big-debate) #### [Year 5 Smart School Council Big Debate ](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-04-14-year-5-smart-school-council-big-debate) Today we took part in our Smart School Council Big Debate. We were asked if Tik Tok should be banned for everyone in the UK. We had six groups, four voted no and two groups voted yes. The main reasons discussed were that it should be banned as it’s a Temu version of YouTube and it’s full of inappropriate content and toxic people. On the other hand some thought it shouldn’t be banned as they think it allows people to connect to others, have fun and interact, it can also be really useful to find out relevant information. Most of the children did highlight though that it should have an age restriction of 16 years old and above. We had some wonderful points that were shared that showcased our oracy skills in Year 5. ![Image of Year 3- Class Meeting: Oracy in Action: The Big Bake 2026](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-84BDDC28-7B23-4899-A311-36C5643EBD5F.png) 25 Mar [2026-03-25-year-3-class-meeting-oracy-in-action-the-big-bake-2026](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-03-25-year-3-class-meeting-oracy-in-action-the-big-bake-2026) #### [Year 3- Class Meeting: Oracy in Action: The Big Bake 2026](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-03-25-year-3-class-meeting-oracy-in-action-the-big-bake-2026) During today's class meeting, Eddie and Roman led a powerful session on joining The Big Bake 2026 to support the brain tumour community. This initiative provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to develop their oracy skills, as they engaged in a thoughtful debate about how their collective efforts could help save lives. By practising active listening and articulating their ideas clearly, the students moved from initial deliberation to a unanimous, enthusiastic "Yes" vote. This Smart School Council action not only serves a vital cause but also showcases the students' growing confidence in using their voices to drive change and collaborate on a plan to bake and sell goods together. ![Image of Year 3- Class Meeting-If one feeling could follow you around all day like a little helper, which would you choose?](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/activitymore-2B75A96C-B6FF-4BE0-AB3F-BCC27C333599.png) 11 Mar [2026-03-11-year-3-class-meeting-if-one-feeling-could-follow-you-around-all-day-like-a-little-helper-](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-03-11-year-3-class-meeting-if-one-feeling-could-follow-you-around-all-day-like-a-little-helper-) #### [Year 3- Class Meeting-If one feeling could follow you around all day like a little helper, which would you choose?](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-03-11-year-3-class-meeting-if-one-feeling-could-follow-you-around-all-day-like-a-little-helper-) This week, the Year 3 class meeting was led by Archie, with Molly acting as our note-taker. We discussed the question: If one feeling could follow you around like a little helper, which would you choose? The discussion showcased incredible maturity and oracy skills, as students debated the complexities of kindness. Many felt that being kind all the time can leave you vulnerable to bullying. Drawing on our school values and the teachings of Jesus, we spoke about the balance of being a "better person", combining gentleness with the strength to stand up for ourselves. Ultimately, many groups voted for confidence, eager to embrace the bravery needed to tackle new challenges and navigate social situations with a strong, clear voice. ![Image of Year 4 - Smart School Council](https://files.schudio.com/st-barnabas-primary-school/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_1443(1).jpeg) 29 Jan [2026-01-29-year-4-smart-school-council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-01-29-year-4-smart-school-council) #### [Year 4 - Smart School Council](https://stbarnabasdarwen.co.uk/news/2026-01-29-year-4-smart-school-council) We were practising using our talk tokens in our Smart School Council session this week. The debate was about our favourite way to spend February half term. 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