Page 13 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

Form Representatives were elected in September and soon set to work listening to their peers and
speaking up in meetings. High on the agenda this year was school canteen ; pupils welcomed the
EA bringing on a range of meal options from around the world, however, were concerned about
the prices the EA were charging and the value they were receiving . The Representatives were
aware that it was not our own canteen who set the prices and portions and were keen to pass
their concern to the Education Authority (EA). Senior Council secured some equipment for the
Sixth Form Common Room such as a pool table and kettles, adding to their overall school
experience.
In addition, the Representatives were delighted that playground basketball nets that were
requested in the previous year were installed by our Buildings Supervisors over the summer. The
nets have been well received by the pupil body and get great use each lunchtime. A request for
additional seating and a ‘chill out’ area outside was also met, and benches and tables were added
to the playground to provide more options for relaxing at break and lunch.
In November we were delighted that Harry Robb in Year 10 became successful in his application to
be part of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly. This is a group of 90 young people aged from 12-
16 and their role is to give their voice on matters such as the future of education, rights, health,
the environment and equality. In this important role, they communicate directly with our
politicians, voicing their concerns and sharing insights on matters that really matter to young
people.

In January , we were approached by Save the Children to help with their social media campaign, to
do little 20 second recordings of things that concerned young people today. Some of our
representatives used their voices to speak about their concerns, such as the importance of
increasing funding to support their education , the importance of funding for communities –
places for children and young people to go and play or socialise safely. They also spoke about
putting an emphasis on well-being for example mental health services and that there was
insufficient investment. Finally, our older pupils voiced their concerns over housing and jobs in
the future – would they have any and what would that look like. And potholes – as young drivers
they were very concerned about potholes!
In February, School Council invited members of Mid and East Antrim Council for a Question and
Answer session; all the main political parties were represented, and pupils enjoyed watching how
the councillors responded when other councillors were speaking! Form Representatives asked
probing questions such as: ‘What is Mid and East Antrim BC doing for young people in our
borough?’ Wellbeing and mental health, particularly since the pandemic is more important than
ever before; what is the MEA doing to promote health and well-being? As young people, we are
concerned about the environment. What is the MEA doing to tackle our concerns? ‘and As young
people, we are concerned about job prospects in our area. What are you doing as a council to
secure jobs, particularly in the light of the very large rates rise some councillors have voted for. ‘ All
very hard questions!

We finished the year in our final meeting celebrating the successes of the School Council and
planning for priorities for next year – with a visit to Stormont on the agenda and no doubt some
more questions to ask.