At Hollyfast Primary School, we encourage children to share their ideas, express their opinions and play an active role in shaping school life. Through our curriculum, assemblies and daily experiences, pupils learn how democracy works and why it is important to listen to and respect the views of others.

Pupil leadership is a key part of this. Children have opportunities to represent their peers through a range of leadership roles, including our School Council, Junior Leadership Team, House Captains, Head Boy and Head Girl, as well as a number of curriculum and community ambassador roles. These leaders gather the views of their classmates, contribute to school improvement and help make positive changes across the school. Through these experiences, children develop confidence, responsibility and an understanding that every voice matters.

Celebrating Birthdays

A recent example of democracy in action came from our School Council. When discussing with their classes ways to make Hollyfast an even better place to learn and belong, pupils suggested introducing birthday non-uniform days. Their idea wasn't simply about clothing; it was about ensuring that every child feels recognised, valued and celebrated by their school community. After sharing their proposal with Mr Watson and explaining the positive impact it could have on pupils' sense of belonging, the idea was adopted. This demonstrates to children that their voices can lead to meaningful change and that, through respectful discussion and collaboration, they can make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Votes For Schools

The VotesforSchools programme gives pupils regular opportunities to explore important issues, consider different viewpoints and share their opinions in a respectful and informed way. Through discussion, debate and voting, children learn that their voice matters and that democracy is about listening to others, thinking critically and making decisions together. The programme helps pupils develop confidence, empathy and an understanding of the world around them, while encouraging them to become active and responsible citizens. 

For example, following a VotesforSchools discussion linked to community safety, pupils explored how young people can keep themselves and others safe. This learning was further strengthened by a visit from local police officers, who answered questions and helped children develop a deeper understanding of personal safety, making positive choices and seeking support when needed. Through experiences like these, pupils learn how to engage with real-world issues, think critically and become informed, responsible citizens.

At Hollyfast, VotesforSchools is used from Year 1 to Year 6, with carefully chosen topics that support our wider curriculum and values. To find out more about the programme and how it is used across the school, please visit our VotesforSchools page here: