School Student Voice

In second-level schools in Ireland – the model of the “Student Council” has been adapted to give students a forum in their school community to have a voice; and with this to become more involved in their schooling. This provision was formalised in the Education Act 1998, subsection Section 27.

Since 1998, much work has been done in the provision of this representative structure in schools, including many resource booklets and the provision for training those teachers who liaise with the student councils in the post as “Student Council Liaison Teacher” i.e. link between students and teaching staff.

ISSU feels that much work has been done in this area with many schools now having successful democratic means for student voice.  One of our primary goals is to connect these councils under one network, allowing students to collaborate on projects and work together.