The heart of what we do
At our school, children are at the heart of everything we do. Through taking on responsibilities and actively contributing to school life, they develop essential leadership skills while embodying our core values of courage, compassion, and community. They show courage by embracing challenges and stepping up as role models, compassion by supporting and caring for one another, and community by working together to create a positive and inclusive environment. We value pupil voice, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to share their ideas, influence decisions, and help shape the future of our school. By playing an active role in school development, our children grow into confident, responsible, and engaged individuals, prepared for the future
Each September, we hold a democratic vote where pupils have the opportunity to nominate themselves and be elected by their peers to become members of our councils, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping our school community
Our School Council
Our School Council is led by our Year 6 Ambassadors along with two children from each year group. Throughout the course of the year our School Council will be responsible for:
- Gathering Pupil Voice – Listening to classmates’ ideas and concerns and representing their views in meetings.
- Improving the School Environment – Suggesting and leading projects to enhance the school, such as playground improvements or eco-friendly initiatives.
- Welcoming Visitors – Representing the school by greeting visitors, giving tours, or speaking at events.
- Encouraging Good Behaviour – Acting as role models and promoting the school’s values in everyday life.
- Reviewing School Policies – Giving feedback on school rules, policies, and initiatives from a pupil’s perspective.
Eco-Council
Our Eco-Council is a team of passionate pupils dedicated to making our school a greener, more sustainable place. Through exciting projects and initiatives, they help protect the environment, promote eco-friendly habits, and inspire others to take action. During the course of the year they will focus on:
- Recycling and Waste Reduction – Organising recycling bins, promoting waste reduction, and monitoring energy use in classrooms.
- Litter Picking – Encouraging a clean school environment by organising litter-picking sessions.
- Saving Energy – Reminding classmates and staff to switch off lights, close doors, and save water.
- Gardening and Wildlife Projects – Planting flowers, growing vegetables, and creating wildlife-friendly areas like bug hotels or bird feeders.
- Promoting Sustainable Travel – Encouraging walking, cycling, or scooting to school to reduce pollution.
- Running Eco-Friendly Campaigns – Organising events such as Earth Day celebrations, Switch-Off Fortnight, or Climate Awareness Week.
- Educating Others – Leading assemblies, classroom talks, and poster campaigns about environmental issues.
- Working with the Community – Collaborating with local organisations, businesses, or councils on sustainability projects.
Well-Being Council
Our Well-Being Council is a group of caring and committed pupils who work to make our school a happy, supportive, and inclusive place for everyone. They promote positive mental health, kindness, and well-being through initiatives that help pupils feel safe, valued, and heard and play a key role in supporting the emotional and social well-being of our school community. Elected by their peers, members take on responsibility and lead by example, embodying our values of courage, compassion, and community. Some of the areas the council will be involved in are:
- Promoting Kindness and Friendship – Encouraging a positive school environment through acts of kindness and buddy systems.
- Organising Well-Being Activities – Planning mindfulness sessions, relaxation techniques, and fun activities to boost happiness.
- Supporting Mental Health Awareness – Leading initiatives for Mental Health Awareness Week
- Providing a Listening Ear – Offering support to classmates and ensuring everyone feels heard and included.
- Leading Anti-Bullying Campaigns – Raising awareness about kindness, respect, and standing up against bullying.
- Creating Safe Spaces – Helping to set up quiet areas or friendship benches for pupils who need a break or a friend.
- Running Well-Being Assemblies – Organising and presenting assemblies on topics like resilience, emotions, and positive thinking.
- Encouraging Gratitude and Positivity – Leading activities like gratitude walls, positive affirmation boards, or kindness challenges.
- Working with Staff and the Wider Community – Collaborating with teachers, parents, and local organisations to promote well-being initiatives.
House Captains
Each year, we vote for our House Captains, who are important leaders that help make our school a fun, friendly, and supportive place. Every week in Celebration Assembly we award a star to the house with the most house points. At the end of the year, the stars are counted and the house with the most wins The House Cup. House Captains lead their teams during our Sports Days in the summer term, taking on an important role in organising and motivating their housemates.
They show courage by stepping up to lead, encouraging everyone to try their best, even if they are nervous or unsure. Their compassion shines through as they make sure every team member feels supported, whether they are competing in races or cheering from the side lines. They help foster a sense of community by uniting their house, making sure everyone has fun and that teamwork is at the heart of every event. Through their leadership, House Captains play a vital part in making our Sports Days a memorable and uplifting experience for everyone involved.
At Great Bardfield all children (and staff) belong to one of four houses:
Bendelowes
Bendelowes House is names after Sergeant Bendelowes, a well-known figure in the village of Great Bardfield. He served as a dedicated and respected member of the local police force, often seen helping to keep the community safe. Known for his friendly and approachable nature, he was a reliable presence in the area, always willing to lend a hand when needed. In the early 19th century, he was a key figure in the founding of the village’s first school, which provided education for local children.
Cleves
Cleves House is named after Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. She has a historical connection to Great Bardfield through her marriage to the king in 1540. After her marriage was annulled, she was granted several estates, including lands in Essex. Anne of Cleves owned property near to Great Bardfield, and her presence in the region marks a link between the area and the Tudor royal court.
De Burgh
The de Burgh family is linked to Great Bardfield through their ownership of land in the area during the medieval and early modern periods. The family was a prominent Anglo-Norman family with estates across Essex and other parts of England. The de Burghs held land in Great Bardfield, and their presence in the region influenced local affairs and developments.
Smith
The Smith family’s connection to Great Bardfield is primarily tied to the family’s involvement in agriculture and land ownership during the 18th and 19th centuries. Members of the Smith family were prominent landowners in the area, with a significant role in local farming. They also became known for their involvement in community activities, contributing to the development and growth of the village. Their influence extended to the local economy, as they played a key part in supporting the rural community’s agricultural practices.
Play Leaders
Each September, our Year 5 children volunteer for the role of play leader. Our play leaders are responsible and enthusiastic pupils who helps make playtimes fun, active, and inclusive for everyone. They support younger children in the playground by organising games, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring that everyone has someone to play with.
Our play Leaders promote kindness, fair play, and positive behaviour, helping to create a safe and happy environment during break times. They also assist in setting up and looking after play equipment, resolving minor playground issues, and leading by example with their enthusiasm and friendliness. Through their role, they develop leadership skills and embody our school values of courage, compassion, and community. You can recognise our play leaders from the bright yellow caps they wear.
Multi Schools council
The Multi Schools Council brings together pupils from different schools to discuss important issues, share ideas, and work on projects that promote inclusion, equality, and positive change. It gives children a platform to have their voices heard on topics that matter to them, such as mental health, disability awareness, and tackling discrimination.
By collaborating with other schools, the council helps to build stronger, more inclusive communities where every child feels valued and respected. Through meetings, events, and campaigns, members develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility, making a real difference both in their own schools and beyond. Our pupils regularly attend meetings with children from other schools in Essex.
