Empowering Our Pupils at Downton Primary School
At Downton Primary School, we are committed to fostering confident, responsible, and empowered young leaders. Our pupils are given a wide range of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, independence, and sense of worth. Through meaningful roles such as Prefects, Librarians, Sports Ambassadors, Eco Monitors, School Council Representatives, and Collective Worship Council members, they actively contribute to school life, gaining valuable personal and social development along the way.
Year 6 Prefects – Leading by Example
Our Year 6 Prefects take on key responsibilities that prepare them for the next stage of their education. They arrive early to assist in the smooth running of the school, logging mobile phones, setting up for Collective Worship, and managing music and screens. They also play a vital role in supporting younger children during activities and even help answer the school telephone, fostering independence and confidence.
School Council – A Voice for Our Pupils
Two pupils per class are elected as School Council representatives. These children take on leadership roles, guiding whole-school projects, gathering pupil feedback, and sharing ideas for school improvement. They have met with our local MP, welcomed the Duchess of Edinburgh to Downton, and collaborated with the parish council to help design the new playpark. One of their favourite roles is pre-tasting new kitchen menus! The School Council ensures that a wide range of pupil voices are heard and represented in decision-making.
Collective Worship Council – Leading with Love, Peace, and Joy
The Collective Worship Council plays a vital role in shaping the spiritual life of our school. Working closely with our Chaplain and Katy from the Baptist Church, these pupils help to plan and lead pupil-led worships that reflect the core values of love, peace, and joy. Through thoughtful reflections, prayers, and engaging activities, they create meaningful worship experiences for their peers.
Beyond worship, this council also leads fundraising efforts for charities, embodying the school's values by showing compassion and generosity to those in need. Their work ensures that worship at Downton Primary is inclusive, pupil-led, and deeply rooted in the school's Christian ethos.
Librarians – Champions of Reading
Our dedicated librarians ensure that our school library remains a vibrant hub for learning. They organise books, support peers in finding great reads, and work closely with staff to promote a love of reading across the school.
Sports Ambassadors – Inspiring Active Lifestyles
These enthusiastic leaders work alongside our PE lead to organise school sporting events, including our much-loved Sports Day. They motivate younger pupils to engage in physical activity and even lead warm-ups for different sports sessions. Their energy and passion inspire a culture of teamwork and perseverance.
House and Sports Captains – Leading with Pride
Each year, Year 6 pupils campaign to become House and Sports Captains, delivering speeches to their peers before a democratic vote determines the leaders. These captains take on key roles during school events, presenting in assemblies, announcing winners, and celebrating achievements. The winning house earns a non-uniform day, reinforcing teamwork and school spirit. On Sports Day, the victorious captains proudly lead their teams around the track, raising the house cup high!
Buddies – Nurturing Strong Connections
Every child at Downton Primary has a buddy from an older class. These relationships foster a strong sense of community and care, with buddies supporting each other during reading sessions, school productions, and seasonal church visits. Walking hand in hand to church, our pupils demonstrate kindness, responsibility, and friendship.
Eco Monitors – Advocates for a Greener Future
Our Eco Monitors take the lead in making our school more sustainable. From managing classroom recycling to organising eco-initiatives like crisp packet recycling and ‘Switched Off Day,’ they drive real change. Their hard work was recognised when our Eco Council earned a prestigious award from the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, standing out as the only primary school to participate.
The Impact of Our Pupil Leaders
Our pupil leadership roles extend beyond the school walls, allowing children to make a meaningful impact on both our school and the wider community. Some of their contributions include:
Year 5 hosts an annual Macmillan Coffee Morning and cake sale, raising funds for charity.
Strengthening School Initiatives: Pupils organise and distribute Shoebox Appeal donations, meet with local officials, and even plan visits to the Houses of Parliament.
Enhancing Sports and Wellbeing: Sports Leaders play an essential role in Sports Day and other events, fostering teamwork and responsibility.
Encouraging a Positive School Environment: Pupils regularly review our child-friendly anti-bullying policy, ensuring it reflects their voice and experience.
Improving Play and Lunchtimes: The Playground Squad helps manage and maintain playground equipment while selecting new purchases for each play zone. They provide feedback and suggest improvements to enhance break times.
Promoting Sustainability: Eco Monitors weigh and compare each class's recycling output weekly, sharing results in Celebration Worship and awarding a trophy to the most eco-conscious class. This year, they are focusing on water conservation and have recently planted trees for the Parish Council.
Ensuring Inclusive School Meals: School Council have a tasting session and liaise with the cook to ensure that our menu options cater to pupils' preferences, including those with allergies or dietary requirements.
Shaping the School Environment: Pupils in Key Stage 2 have been involved in the River Project. Additionally, students across the school have contributed artwork for our annual exhibition in Salisbury.
Faith and Charity Involvement: The Collective Worship Council leads pupil-led worships and fundraises for important causes, ensuring that the values of love, peace, and joy are at the heart of our school.
At Downton Primary School, we are incredibly proud of the way our pupils rise to these challenges. Their experiences ensure that have opportunities to inform and empower them to become confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals, ensuring they leave our school ready to make a positive impact on the wider world.