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 and what the result was from the prior week. On the school website (this page) you can find a curriculum guide for the weeks topic as well as a discussion sheet so you can carry on the learning at home should you wish to discuss the topic with your child. Scroll down to see some of the topics Leigh Pupils have been discussing.
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Autumn Term 1 - Topics and assembly
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Vote Topic |
Headline Learning |
Link to Curriculum Guide |
Story Assembly |
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(5 - 7) Will the lioness' win get more girls playing football? (7-11) Will the lionesses' win create long-lasting change? |
Headline Learning Gender inequality/equality Gender stereotypes Cultural events Discrimination
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British Values SMSC Citizenship |
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(5-7) Would you want to be Prime Minister? (7-11) Is it a good time to become Prime Minister? |
Headline Learning The British democratic parliamentary system Challenges of Leadership
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British Values SMSC Citizenship |
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| Do you feel comfortable with change? |
Headline Learning The life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Loss and bereavement Impact of change and mental health |
British Values SMSC Mental Health Citizenship |
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(5-7) Would you buy second hand clothes to help the environment? (7-11) Can the fashion industry slow down its impact on the environment? |
Headline Learning Environmental Issues Climate Change Global Responsibility and citizenship
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British Values SMSC Mental Health Citizenship |
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| Are actions more important than words? |
Headline Learning Discrimination Prejudice Time for change: Action Not Words in relation to these concepts |
British Values SMSC Mental Health Citizenship |
'I walk with Vanessa' a wordless book by Kerascoët
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9U_11iF4c A story about bullying, kindness, friendship and resilience to stand up for one you believe through being a role model with your actions not only our words. |
| Does the internet change how we feel about ourselves? |
Headline Learning Self esteem and confidence Resilience to influences online Online Harm Bills in parliament |
British Values SMSC Mental Health Citizenship |
'Rock What Ya Got' by Samantha Berger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs44juuFBtw&t=129s
When a drawing of a little girl comes to life, she doesn't want to be erased, or put into a picture that doesn't feel like her. Instead, she decides to speak up in a powerful way. And she has some words of advice: embrace what you have, love yourself, and "rock what ya got." |
| Should we stop paying for the BBC? |
Headline Learning Citizenship Culture and the Arts Democracy Expressing Opinions |
SMSC British Values Carry on the conversation at home
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'Me and my fear' by Francesca Sanna
This story explores the impact of fear and how it can keep you safe but also hold you back. |
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Do we know enough about how vaping affects people? (7-11) Are playground trends a good thing? (5-7) |
Headline Learning Health Education = Physical and Mental Resilience - Peer Pressure |
SMSC British Values Mental Health Carry on the conversation at home
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'My Shadow is pink' by Scott Stuart
This story is about a little boy who thinks he is supposed to like and be a certain way. He learns that often people hid their true self as we are afraid that others will not accept us as we are. He learns to be himself. This story explores gender stereotypes. |
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Should everyone be able to vote at 16? |
Headline Learning Democracy Good Communication Expressing Opinions Citizenship Equality |
SMSC British Values Carry on the conversation at home
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'Lest we forget' by Kerry Brown
This story explores the experiences of a young boy juxtaposed to his grandfather who fought in the war. The grandfather tells his grandson that he Remembrance Day is sad but we should all remember. This story explores the importance of remembering. |
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Is it difficult to stand up against bullying? (5-7) Do fandoms encourage bullying? (Y6) |
Headline Learning
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Weird, Dare and Tough -3 books by Erin Frankel
These stories explore bullying from the perspective of the victim, bystander and perpetrator of the bullying to develop empathy and understanding of this key concept and what to do should a child experience or witness this behaviour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGjficVH_YY |
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Will the world cup bring people together? (5-7) Was awarding the World Cup to Qatar a mistake? (7-11) |
Headline Learning |
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Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala inspires children with her strong message that your voice, your words, your art can make a difference to the world we live in. |
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Should everyone learn sign language? (5-7) Will increased awareness get more people learning BSL? (7-11) |
Headline Learning |
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Can Bears Ski?
This story read and signed by Rose Ayling-Ellis helps children to consider what it might feel like to be deaf and develop empathy. |
