Evelyn Primary School, Prescot, Knowsley
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What are they doing? Election fever has gripped pupils at Evelyn Primary School in Knowsley. Staff and pupils take the election of the school council very seriously and the voting system has been set up to resemble political elections. The "real-life" elections form part of what the school refers to as ARCS - A Real-life, Creative and Skills-based curriculum.
How are they doing this? Pupils have to draw up their own election manifestos, which they then present to classmates. The children vote in a secret ballot at polling stations in the school, using ballot papers and boxes. They vote to elect so-called Wise Owls and Eco Reps. The votes are counted by electoral officers and the results are announced in assembly by a returning officer.
What's the point? Therese Brown, the school's learning mentor, says it boosts pupils' confidence and communication skills. "As the process has evolved over the past three years, we've had shy and reticent pupils put themselves forward for election. It seems to have strengthened their resilience and resourcefulness, which are crucial skills for later life," she says.
Anything else? Pupils also work with school governors and senior managers to develop the school's improvement plan.
