Kids call the shots at Upper Ballyboley PS

Level-headed youngsters at Upper Ballyboley Primary School have been given a taste of real financial responsibility.
Principal of Upper Ballyboley Primary School, Paul Smith provides guidance to school council memners Ellan Spence, Stacey McAuly and Katie Stewart.  INLT 03-675-CONPrincipal of Upper Ballyboley Primary School, Paul Smith provides guidance to school council memners Ellan Spence, Stacey McAuly and Katie Stewart.  INLT 03-675-CON
Principal of Upper Ballyboley Primary School, Paul Smith provides guidance to school council memners Ellan Spence, Stacey McAuly and Katie Stewart. INLT 03-675-CON

The school plans to purchase a range of new playground equipment, using the £580 raised at its recent Christmas play.

But it will not be down to the staff to choose which equipment to splash out on.

Instead, the decision will be in the hands of the newly-formed school council.

The council is made up of six pupils of various ages, and Principal Paul Smith said the pupils “relished the opportunity to make real decisions”.

Mr Smith, who took over the reins as head teacher in November, told the Times: “This has given the children an opportunity to make real financial decisions.

“The children on the council worked as a team and were required to take into consideration the wishes of other children as well as their own. “This provided the them with the opportunity to develop personal skills as well as numeracy skills.

“Handling money is an essential life skill which will enhance children’s ability to make informed choices and become more financially responsible.”

School council member Stacey McAuly said: “This is a great opportunity because we get to choose the equipment we want rather than the adults deciding.”

Fellow council member Ellan Spence added: “This will make play time better because we didn’t to have much to play with before.”

Mr Smith concluded: “From what I understand, the amount raised at the recent Christmas play was one of the highest yet, so I want to thank all those who donated so generously.”

Related topics: