Pupil Leaders

At Heathlands, our vision is helping everyone shine their light. Our pupil leadership roles let children shine their light by using their voice, taking responsibility and making a real difference to our school, our village and the wider world. As Matthew 5:14 reminds us, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

Some roles are chosen democratically, with children voting for their peers. For others, children apply to the lead adult and explain why they would make a good member. They can do this however they like: a letter, a song or rap, or a recorded video speech. Children may serve on one council each year. Being a pupil leader is a privilege and a responsibility, and our leaders aim to be role models for the whole school community.

School Captains and Vice Captains

Our School Captains and Vice Captains are Year 6 pupils elected by the children of Heathlands. They represent the school at events, welcome visitors, support younger pupils and act as ambassadors for our vision and values, both in school and in the wider community.

Pupil Governors

Our Pupil Governors meet regularly with Mr Crawley, our Headteacher, to discuss how they can make a difference to school life. They are the link between their classes and the wider school community. They share pupils' views and suggestions, particularly on how to keep Heathlands a happy, safe place to learn, and help put ideas into action. Pupil Governors also attend a full governing board meeting once a term. Their work reaches beyond school, too, taking in local and national projects.

Eco Council

Led by Mrs Patterson, our Eco Council is a group of children who care about recycling, the environment, our school grounds, wildlife, planting and growing, and safer, healthier ways to travel. Recent projects include:

• Walk to School Week
• Making and selling Christmas crafts from recycled materials
• Tree planting with Fairfields Crisps
• A visit to a local recycling centre to learn about rubbish and recycling
• An Eco Day with other Colchester primary schools
• Learning how to care for hedgehogs and buying a hedgehog home
• Our Eco Refill Shop, encouraging less plastic use
• Litter picks

Multi-Schools Ambassadors

Led by Mrs Gibson, our Multi-Schools Ambassadors meet with pupils from a large number of other schools throughout the year. Together they discuss how changes to school life can help every child in the community thrive. Their motto, "We may all be different but we have the same smile," sums up their commitment to inclusion.

Worship Council

Led by Mrs Cork and open to children in Years 3 to 6, our Worship Council helps shape our acts of worship. They light the candles to open and close worship, and they plan and lead worship for the whole school, often through drama and performance. They play a central part in our Harvest, Christingle and Easter celebrations. They also help develop spirituality and courageous advocacy across Heathlands.