School Parliament
Article 12 (Respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.
During Parliament Week, children prepared speeches with the aim of being elected as their class "MP" (Motivational Pupil). All children voted for their MP and those elected are now our School Parliament.
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Our MPs (Motivational Pupils)
3C - Evaa
3H - Tommy
4C - Lyla
4H - Scarlett
5C - Jacob
5H - Blake
6C - Izzy
6H - Anna
Our role is to represent every class in the same way MPs represent every constituency in parliament. We are in charge of what the departments do.
Departments
Children also applied to work within our departments in school. A recruitment and selection process took place and children were selected to form these different departments. Each department has a focus within school to improve life in our school and local community. Take a look at our departments and the things these groups have been doing.
Department for Education
Our Department for Education: Jensen, Naleli, Jimboy, Flynn, Harper, Heather, Alexis and Joe
Our role is to improve learning experiences for all children in school.
Activities
The team planned events for World Book Day. They chose that children come to school dressed as their favourite book character, in pyjamas or in non-uniform. They were very sensible in their decision to consider the costs for families and considered how all children like to do something a little different. They chose that they would all like to visit the local library on World Book Day and wanted each year group to focus on an author. They chose:
Department for Environment
Our Department for Environment: Danny, Evalynn, Isla, Charlotte, Leighton, Beau, Liam and Bella
Our role is to look at ways we can help to look after our environment.
Activities
Our Department for Environment met with Tori from OASES as part of the development of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy to protect wildlife within County Durham. They looked at animals and habitats that need protecting and explored the importance of woodlands. The children then came up with ideas of how we can improve our school grounds to protect wildlife. These included making bird feeders out of recycled materials, adding wildflower areas, creating hedgehog houses and planting more trees.
As an action from their last meeting, children made bird feeders to attract more wildlife into our school. They planned for all classes across school to take part in the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch. They are hoping their creations will mean we spot a range of different birds!
Our Environment Team worked with Josh from OASES to learn all about climate change. They learnt about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and how solar and wind power are being used as renewable energy. The group discussed how we can reduce our energy use in school through saving electricity. They also explored how wind power is generated by using fans! They will put their learning into action to make our school more environmentally friendly.
Department for OPAL
Our Department for OPAL: Callum, Hayden, Charlie, Elliott, Chloe, Malaki, Annabelle and Priya.
Our role is to improve playtimes for everyone.
Department for Rights Ambassadors
Our Department for Rights Ambassadors: Michael, Henry, Suzie, Michaela, Leo, Mia and Thomas
Our role is to make sure everyone's rights are respected.
Department for Community
Our Department for Community: Sylvie, Robbie, Noah, Adam, Alina, Lucy, Kaiden and Lucas
Our role is to make a difference in our local area.
Department for Health and Safety
Our Department for Health and Safety: Arron, Hughie, Milo, Ethan, Mia, Evie-May, Cara and Abbie
Our role is to keep everyone safe in person and online.
Activities
The team met to discuss Children's Mental Health Week. They chose to display posters around school to raise awareness of mental health and hold class assemblies to discuss this. They decided each class would take part in a 'Personality Island' activity.
Department for Equality and Diversity
Our Department for Equality and Diversity: Declan, Nellie, Leandra, Arabella, Amber, Lexi, Gia-Rose, Jaxon
Our role is to represent differences in our school and community to make sure everyone is respected.
