In a bid to understand the electoral process better, the children in Year 6 formed four political parties, each with a unique vision for how they would spend £200 to benefit our school, the local community, or support a national cause.

The journey began with each party crafting a detailed political manifesto. The children showed remarkable creativity and thoughtfulness in their proposals, outlining various initiatives that aimed to bring about positive change. With their manifestos ready, the campaign trail commenced in earnest.

Campaigning involved the creation of eye-catching posters and active canvassing in the playgrounds, as party members engaged with their peers to win votes. The highlight of the campaigns were a series of assemblies where each party had the opportunity to present their manifestos to the entire school. These presentations were not only informative, but demonstrated our children’s public speaking and persuasive skills.

To ensure a fair and organised election process, the school council set up polling stations across the school. On election day, every student had the chance to vote for their preferred political party, making their voices heard in a true democratic fashion.

Each year, the mock elections are a resounding success, offering children a practical and immersive experience in democratic practices. This initiative not only educates them about the importance of voting and political participation, but also fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.