Prefects. Is this normal or a bit OTT?

[perfectpeter]

I would love to hear about primary schools that use a prefect system- how does it work? My DC's school are introducing a new system and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

The main points are:
One prefect per class.
Prefects are highly 'visible' as they wear an adapted uniform.
They are considered 'part of the School's Leadership Team' and are expected to have a role in interviewing new staff and observing lessons.
They will have quite a few duties, including giving up some lunchtimes (at least one a week), or being taken out of class for meetings. (Not sure how often this will happen).
Expected to show exemplary behaviour at all times.
Asked to report any bad behaviour to staff.

It all seems a bit much to me- more what I would expect in secondary school rather than primary. Particularly the different uniform for prefects.

Anyone else heard of similar happening?

[MajesticWhine]

At my DD's primary, almost everyone in year 6 is at some point, a prefect or a helper or house captain or some other position of responsibility. Throughout the rest of the school there are reps from each year who join a school council meeting once a term. No uniform adjustment or anything else. And no big deal is made of it. So yes, in comparison that sounds completely OTT to me. But interested to hear what others say.

[spanieleyes]

We have Head Boy/Girl, and deputies. All are year 6 pupils however, they wear a badge ( when they don't lose it!) but the same uniform. They do represent the school so show prospective parents round the school, assist a governor in interviewing prospective members of staff and represent the school at events ( eg they always read the prayers in school assemblies or church services, they attend new entrant events, speak to OFSTED! etc) They are expected to show exemplary behaviour ( but then, all our children are!) and can be "demoted" for serious breaches of school rules ( although no-one ever has been!)
We also have House captains who organise house teams on team days and sports day, are responsible for a specific class each and collect house points.
In addition we have a student council, run by a Head of council who is a year 6 but with representatives from each class and similarly an eco council run along the same lines.
So apart from the different uniform and lesson observations, some similarities and some differences!

[perfectpeter]

Thanks for replying. I guess the new system is similar in many ways to other schools, I have just been slightly taken aback by the altered uniform and the big deal that is being made. I worry that there might be resentment from the other children.

[ButterflyUpSoHigh]

Ours is 2 form entry so 60 children. The whole school votes for 6 children to become councillors. They go on visits to other schools, organise fundraising, prepare assemblies/masses. They wear a badge to show they are a councillor.
Another school local to us has a head boy and head girl who wear a blazer.

[lljkk]

None of that happens at DC primary. it sounds ponce-tastic to me. They get tiny badges they might remember to wear if they are elected officers on school council, that's it.

[Sallyhasleftthebuilding]

Simular at DC school, even though the head boy threated to chop the head off a year 1 boy when he was asleep in bed .... he kept his position, very proud parents Im sure.
Its more of a tick box pupil voice than anything else.

[bunchedpanties]

We have similar system to spaniel eyes aside from their role lasts 1 term not whole year so quite a few year 6s get the opportunity.

[spanieleyes]

I only have 9 year 6's so some of mine have to double up!!

[ChippyMinton]

Similar to spanieleyes.

Y6 pupils decide what role they would like - house captain, vice, pastoral care leader, prefect etc, and have to present a short speech. Then the KS2 pupils in each house vote for their house captains (one girl & one boy) and the teachers allocate the other roles.

Each role comes with a job. The pastoral care leaders, for example, have a team of pastoral carers and they set up a rota to look after the younger pupils in the KS1 playground.

Badges are given out.

[TeenAndTween]

We have school councillors two from each class (y1-y6) that meet and are consulted on minor things. Voted by classmates, but you can't do it more than once.

Don't like the sound of 'observing lessons' bit at all. Don't suppose the teachers will like it either!

[QueenLaBeefah]

Goodness me - it all sounds completely unbearable.

[fastdaytears]

I don't want you to leave teaching TheTrouble but I don't think that having a child involved with the interview process is that unusual is it? I know a lot of schools that do that. Obvious there are adults there too...

We were quite often asked for feedback after prospective teachers did lessons with us.

[perfectpeter]

at 'ponce-tastic'. Glad it's not just me who finds it a bit weird. The kids are all hugely excited and desperate to be chosen, of course. Big announcement in assembly on Monday, then hopefully it'll calm down a bit!

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Reporting bad behaviour to teachers is going to make them popular and loved by other pupils.

[fastdaytears]

TheTrouble it appears that one of the unions shares your concerns (or did in 2010 anyway)

www.theguardian.com/education/2010/apr/03/children-job-interviews-questions

[perfectpeter]

The article above mentions 'children as young as 11' interviewing teachers, but this is a primary school so even younger! I do believe in giving children some responsibility but this seems far too much. I suppose we will just have to see how it works in practice.

[mrz]

I work in primary and our pupils have been involved in teacher interviews. They do come up with interesting questions and views.

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Meeow. Was there any need for that?

[mrz]

A fad no ... Teacher has been there SEVEN years it's not new!

[mrz]

I certainly didn't say perfect either 😉