The student council is not just a group of active pupils, but a real force that helps make the school better for everyone. If you're at school, you've probably heard about it, and maybe even taken part in elections or events. In this article, we'll explore the role of the student council, the benefits it brings, and exactly what it helps with in the educational process. Let's break it down step by step!

What is the Student Council and Its Role

The student council (or pupil council) is an elected body made up of representatives from classes or year groups. It usually includes a president, vice-president, secretary, and other members, all chosen by the pupils themselves. The main role of the council is to be the "voice" of the schoolchildren. It represents pupils' interests to the school administration, teachers, and parents.

Specifically, the role of the student council includes:

- Organising events: from school celebrations like Teacher's Day or New Year, to sports competitions and environmental campaigns. The council plans to make school life vibrant and engaging.
- Solving problems: if the school lacks sports equipment, there are issues with the timetable, or the canteen needs improving—the council gathers pupils' opinions and proposes solutions to the headteacher.
- Fostering leadership: council members learn responsibility, teamwork, and public speaking. It's like a mini-government in the school!
- Collaboration: the council works with teachers to implement new ideas, such as interest-based clubs or volunteering projects.

The student council is a bridge between pupils and adults, helping to make the school more democratic and open.

Benefits of the Student Council for the School and Pupils

Taking part in the student council or simply having such a body in school brings numerous advantages. Here are the main ones:

- Development of additional skills: pupils in the council learn leadership, public speaking, and organisation. These skills will be useful in the future—at university, in work, or even in everyday life. Imagine: you organise a school festival, and it becomes your first experience in project management!
  
- Increased motivation: when pupils see their opinions matter, they become more involved in school life. This reduces absences, boosts academic performance, and creates a friendly atmosphere.

- School improvement: thanks to the council, the school can become more comfortable. For example, if pupils complain about no Wi-Fi in the library, the council can initiate changes. In the end, everyone wins: pupils and teachers alike.

- Social connections: joining the council is a chance to make new friends, chat with classmates from other year groups, and even with the headteacher. Plus, it adds points to a CV for university applications!

- Civic education: the council teaches how democracy works: elections, voting, compromises. This prepares you for adult life in society.

Without a doubt, schools with an active student council are places where pupils feel not just like "visitors", but full-fledged members of the community.

What the Student Council Helps With

The student council is not just talk, but real action. Here are some examples of what it helps with:

- Improving the learning process: The council can suggest introducing extra clubs, workshops, or even changing the timetable to make it more convenient. For instance, if pupils want more programming lessons, the council gathers signatures and passes on the proposal.

- Addressing everyday issues: From classroom repairs to organising healthy meals in the canteen. In many schools, thanks to the council, rest areas or lockers for belongings have appeared.

- Supporting pupils: If someone faces stress from studies, the council can organise prevention campaigns or helplines for help. This helps create a safe environment. In CIS schools, students often organise an anti-bullying day and draw attention to this issue so that it never becomes part of their school life.

- Environmental and social initiatives: The council often starts paper recycling drives, tree planting, or aid for animal shelters. This teaches responsibility for the world around us.

- Holidays and entertainment: Without the council, school days would be dull! It helps organise discos, contests, and trips, making learning more fun. At the end of October, for example, councils in our campuses prepare for Autumn Day, decorating the school and creating costumes.

Here you can watch videos from the latest Student Council meetings at our campuses: Skolkovo and Gorki.

Conclusion

The student council is an opportunity to change the school for the better and develop your abilities in a wide range of areas. If you want to be part of something bigger, take part in elections, suggest ideas, or just vote. If your school doesn't have an active council yet, then it's high time to create one!