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Purpose of the meeting

Outline the main aims of Votes for Schools

Discuss the contents of the sessions

Address how we can broach the topics with sensitivity

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Votes for schools

Votes for Schools is a new initiative we started this January 2021.

It involves the children being asked a question which relates to the current times. Through discussions, videos and activities the children vote “yes” or "no" to the question.

It is an effective tool for delivering SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) development and supports British Values, Prevent, PSHE and Citizenship through whole class discussion.

A weekly vote pack in Powerpoint format is presented to the children each week.

The notebooks are amended to suit the age group.

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Some examples of topics

VotesforSchools is a weekly current affairs-based voting platform designed to engage children and young people in political and social issues. Through weekly discussion and voting, not only are voters learning about the world around them, but they are also becoming active citizens and preparing for participating in our democratic processes.

Below are some of the areas VotesforSchools can help our learners with.

British Values

Current Affairs

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development SMSC

Prevent

Examples of topics:

©VotesforSchools2021

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What is VotesforSchools?

Ask relevant and meaningful questions
Listen and respond thoughtfully
Be open to different opinions
Think before they speak

Voice their opinion
Stand up for what they believe in
Feel empowered to make a change
Take democratic action

Learn about the world
Seek different points of view
Empathise with others
Separate fact and opinion

Be informed.

Be heard.

Be curious.

Key Skills:

©VotesforSchools2021

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How do we choose our VoteTopics?

Here at St Michael’s, our main aim is to get voters talking about topics that are interesting, relevant and important to them and the world around them. There are a few ways we decide on our topics…

International Women’s Day 2022 was celebrated with the theme of breaking stereotypes. The children discussed this in depth. Fairtrade fortnight was acknowledged through the topic ‘should we pay more for chocolate. We aim for each topic to be inline with what is relevant and current.

Teachers will have the resources well in advance, to ensure that topics are delivered with sensitivity.

How we choose the topics:

©VotesforSchools2021

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Curriculum links

©VotesforSchools2021

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What will the lessons look like?

We will always explain why we’re talking about the topic and provide information about why it’s relevant.

There will then be a range of activities and videos to help voters engage with the VoteTopic question and allow them to develop their point of view!

Finally, learners will vote! We give them a few ideas to help if they’re struggling to come to a decision.

The Lessons:

These sessions will take place weekly and will be delivered as an in class assembly.

©VotesforSchools2021

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Tips for tackling tricky topics

Some of our lessons might seem difficult to teach, but it is important to address each subject! Many voters will want or need to talk about these issues.

Let voters lead – they’ll most likely have a lot to say but encourage them to listen to each other.

Teacher familiarise themselves with the lesson well ahead of time.

We consider what experiences your voters are likely to have had – this may affect the direction the lesson could take.

We acknowledge when there are sensitive topics. Before we start, we assure voters that the lesson is a safe space to voice any concerns.

And most importantly, children will know they are learning in a safe and secure environment

Sensitive topics:

©VotesforSchools2021

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Tips for tackling tricky topics

Dealing with difficult conversations

Allow voters time to reflect on difficult issues, and to take responsibility for how they question and respond to each other.

Active Listening

When discussing each week’s topic, we remind voters that they need to listen to understand, not just to reply.

We ensure voter practice making eye contact with the person who is speaking to show they are engaged in the discussion.

We encourage voters to add to, build on or question what the last person said. They should be challenging each other to develop and explain their ideas.

Modelling

We show our curiosity for each topic: what questions do you have?

We talk with the class about what you find puzzling and challenging.

We respond using the language of reasoning and enquiry with a thoughtful and sensitive manner.

Sensitive topics:

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Topics for Summer 1

Space Tourism
Should children use phones in schools?
Should more people join in with religious celebrations
Should more children get more free school meals?
Would you like to be a child actor
Would you pay more for chocolate?
What is bullying and banter?
Neurodiversity
International Women’s Day -Do films show good role models for girls?

Previous Topics Covered

Additionally, a list of the topics can be found on our school website

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Topics for Summer 1

Should questions be easy?
Is gaming good for you?
Should junk food ads be banned?
Should there be a legal volume limit on tablets and phones?
Should we get to live wherever we like?
Should pets ever be kept in the classroom?

Topics for the summer term:

Additionally, a list of the topics can be found on our school website

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To recap:

The sessions will run weekly and the topics picked carefully
Staff will reinforce the importance of listening carefully in these sessions, whilst ensuring children have their voice heard in a respectful environment

Topics are selected carefully and if they have the potential to trigger emotions, teachers will handle with sensitivity
Throughout the sessions, the children are reminded that if they are concerned by anything they can reach out in a variety of different ways to express their thoughts:

Speak to their class teacher
Add their concern to the listening post
KS1 children can add their concerns to their “worry boxes”
Email Inclusion

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Any Questions?

A list of the topics can be found on our school website

If you have any concerns, contact your class teacher

Likewise, if staff have any concerns, they will reach out to parents/carers