We are very proud of the valuable contributions our pupils make to school life through a wide range of activities and initiatives.

School Council

We have an active School Council with two elected members from each class. Meeting regularly with the Head Teacher, the School Council addresses issues that matter to our children and has a real impact on developing and improving their experience of life at Dunalley. When engaging with issues, such as the organisation of playtimes and the food enjoyed at lunchtime, our councillors meet with the appropriate stakeholders in order to present their ideas and effect change.

The School Council empowers our children to apply our values of caring for each other and the environment by selecting causes to support through fundraising initiatives, which they arrange and promote. Events have included national charities, such as Jeans for Genes Day; local charities, such as the Hamper Scamper appeal, which provides food for families in need during Christmas; as well as supporting national events such as Children in Need.  

Positive Play Partners

Our Positive Play Partners (PPP) are members of the school community who have chosen to take a supportive role in our OPAL play times. Through a written application process, children volunteer for the role and after being selected and trained, they are visible at all lunch times. They are in place to support other children with choices, emotional support and any minor conflict resolution that may take place during lunch times – supporting their peers and ensuring our outside play is as positive as possible. They also take comments on board from others and make suggestions for enhancing our OPAL provision using their experiences to develop these ideas.

Teaching & Learning

Teachers and subject leaders regularly take time to discuss subjects with children across the school. This provides teachers with a deep understanding of children’s knowledge but also provides children with the opportunity to share their learning. This time is also used for pupils to share their thoughts regarding the curriculum and their preferences and areas they are passionate about and helps teachers to develop the curriculum with children at the centre.