Priti praises Powers Hall Academy students for holding National Democracy Day School Election

In celebration of National Democracy Day on Wednesday 15th September, Powers Hall Academy children participated in a vote for their school councillors, replicating polling stations as seen during a general election. Students nominated themselves, wrote and delivered manifestoes to their classmates, who submitted their votes to elect the winning candidates.

Two days later, the successful candidates were announced amid cheers and celebrations from all children, highlighting the fantastic mutual respect being demonstrated by their classmates. The successfully appointed councillors received certificates confirming their election from Witham MP, Priti Patel.

Priti said: “I was delighted to take part in the Powers Hall Academy National Democracy Day celebrations and to present certificates to the successful candidates in the School election. Their evident enthusiasm was a pleasure to see. This has been an excellent exercise in demonstrating the mechanics of democracy, which I hope will encourage the students to become involved in our national democracy as soon as they are old enough to do so.”

Richard Benstock, Headteacher, said, “Teaching children the principles behind a democratic approach to decision making is an imperative life skill and it was lovely to witness how strongly the children embraced the process and celebrated together.”

The Powers Hall Academy school council has already planned many ‘pupil voice’ led initiatives, including significant decisions regarding playtime opportunities, charity fund-raising, teaching and learning procedures.

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