Recently in the Houses of Parliament, local MP Stephen
Metcalfe and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP, presented six
representatives from Lee Chapel Primary School with the prestigious Speaker’s
School Council Award.
The national awards scheme, now in its fourth year, is run
by Parliament’s Education Service on behalf of the Speaker of the House of
Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP. It is designed to celebrate the
achievements of school councils across the country and is open to every infant,
primary and secondary school in the UK.
Lee Chapel’s school council won the award in the 7-11 age
category for their school news channel. ‘Lee Chapel News’ was the idea of two
pupils who wanted to bring the school together, increase the confidence of
their peers and encourage teamwork.
They have so far reported on a range of topics including
friendship week, languages week, and have conducted a number of interviews with
teachers on the latest school issues. Their project beat over 100 entries to
the national prize.
Mr Metcalfe wrote to schools in South Basildon and East
Thurrock earlier this year asking them to submit their most successful council
project that had made a difference to their school and their community.
After the awards ceremony, he commented: “It was a real
privilege to join the Speaker to present Lee Chapel Primary school with their
well deserved trophy. I was extremely proud to have South Basildon and East
Thurrock represented at the awards and I would like to once again congratulate
Lee Chapel Primary school for their fantastic achievement.”
“I hope that the award will inspire school council’s across
the local area to make a difference in their schools and in the wider
community. I also think Lee Chapel’s success goes to show that we must not
limit the aspirations of children in South Basildon and East Thurrock.
With enthusiasm, support and a bit of self belief there is nothing that they
cannot achieve. I will continue to work with schools throughout the local area
to champion this message.”
