What is Votes for Schools?
It is a weekly resource that takes supports the teaching of topical subjects and questions that align with Relationships and Health Education, PSHE, SMSC, British Values, Citizenship, Global responsibility, mental health and also addresses objectives outlines in the Prevent Duty which addresses the prevention of radicalisation and extremism.
Each week, there is a different lesson presentation that explains a different topical issue and we use these resources as a basis for our whole school and class assemblies and encourage reflection and debate. At the end of the week all children will vote 'yes' or 'no' based upon discussions and a variety of viewpoints presented. This data is collected and compared with schools Nationally and reported to a variety of organisation which often respond to Primary Pupils across the country with statements about the issues they are voting upon.
Why do we use it?
At Leigh Primary School we want our children to talk about topics that are interesting, relevant and important to them as individuals and the world about them. We want them to be able to communicate effectively in order to express their own opinions as well as respect those of others particularly when they differ from their own. Additionally, we want our children to be educated citizens that are informed and ready to be successful in wider society as they grown into young adults and understand that their voice is important in our democracy.
Votes for schools provides explicit opportunities:
- for speaking and listening through discussion of topics
- to challenge concepts such as injustice, greed, poverty, stereotypes and discrimination
- for children to reflect develop, adjust or alter their values and beliefs through open discussions
- for healthy and respectful debate where all opinions and view points are heard
- for children to be curious, informed and heard on current affairs nationally and globally
- to actively engage in democracy each week and to learn about democratic issues in the context of current affairs
How will you know what your children are discussing and how they voted each week?
Every week in the 'Leigh Latest' newsletter there is a box which tells you what the weeks topic has been. We will also share with you what our book assembly of the week has been and how the children were encouraged to reflect on its message.
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Prevent Strategy - Express opinions and appreciate impact of their views