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The initiative
The Harbinger Election was an initiative to provide children
throughout the whole school with an opportunity to understand
and participate in their own General Election. Running alongside
the U.K General Election in June 2001, the Harbinger election
differentiated the electoral process to make it age appropriate.
Each class chose one person to stand for election. This candidate
was asked to prepare a speech on how they would spend £100 to
make a school improvement of their choice. Just as in a real
election the candidate's supporters, in this case their class/group,
considered and prepared an effective campaign of action. The
campaigners considered how to raise the profile of their candidate
throughout the school, using posters and badges.
The following is a breakdown of the Harbinger election plan
of action:-
Before half term - the election was introduced to classes
so that children could prepare their ideas. Class teachers monitored
the speaking and listening skills of their students and with
the results of their findings, an appropriate election process
was devised. Parents were informed in the school newsletter.
Monday 4th June - each class chose one person to stand
for election. This candidate had to decide what they would spend £100
on, and prepare a speech that they would present at the Tuesday
school Assembly. During this time the candidate's class/group
began to look at ways to promote their campaign, making posters
and badges for their candidate.
Ten candidates were chosen to stand for election. Their proposals
were -
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The outcome
The whole electoral process and the election itself
was a huge success. As a result of the winning candidate's
campaign a real outcome will be achieved, as £100 will now
be spent on the school pond and patio - the winning proposal
voted by the pupils themselves. There are now plans to hold
a school election every year. Children will be asked to campaign
for candidates where the winning proposal will receive a cash
sum to realise a project within school. Although made more
age appropriate the actual electoral process will again follow
the process of a real life election, giving the pupils an opportunity
to experience and participate in a democratic process before
they are legally entitled to.
The school has found that given the opportunity of holding
their own election children are taking on more responsibility
in school and their confidence has increased markedly. Children
are now saying what they want to happen in their school and
feel that they can make a difference. The school hopes that
continuing elections will engender a life long commitment to
democracy, political participation and action.
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Evaluation and assessment opportunities
This is the first year that Harbinger has run a full scale, whole school,
mock election. Evidence of the elections within the school - written documentation,
photos, posters and badges made by the pupils.
Teachers will assess the success of the project drawn from
the experience and re-run a revised election process next year
based on these findings.
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Challenges encountered
Difficulties have included identifying a budget for the winning candidate
to spend on realising their proposal and finding staff cover to be able
to release an adult to organise and run the election and voting.
Solutions:
Finances were raised by releasing an amount from the curriculum
fund, supported by additional donations from the private sector.
The school wanted to raise enough money to allow the winning
candidate to make a sizeable change to the school surroundings
and community by initiating their proposal. All students should
be able to witness real change brought into action by their participation
in the election. A teacher working alongside a student in their
class was released during class time to prepare for the election.
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Cross Curricular links
Cross-curricular links In addition to fulfilling National
Curriculum guidelines for PSHE and Citizenship this initiative
also meets targets for the following National Curriculum subjects
- English - speaking and listening, group discussion and interaction,
writing. Mathematics - calculation, planning and presenting budgets.
Design/Technology - communicating ideas through design. Art -
creating artwork and campaign materials. Geography - enquiry,
locality study of school community/building and needs assessment.
Other - assemblies and circle time
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Links with other schools, community
groups and organisations, local and national
The school made links with local electoral offices. They agreed
to loan the school their polling booths and polling station sign
for the duration of the school election. By using the real polling
station materials the children involved gained a real experience
of what it was like to vote at a polling station during a General
Election. This experience will help them understand the process
involved and increase their confidence to take part, having been
given the opportunity to vote in their own elections.
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Links with other schools, community
groups and organisations in the wider world
During class discussions throughout the election process, British
elections were compared to election procedures in Bangladesh
and other countries either directly or indirectly connected with
the school, e.g, countries connected to pupil's, teacher's background
through birth or work, countries recently covered in the media
/ current affairs.
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Supporting resources
The School Council: A Children's Guide!
Save the Children Midland's Development Team
Hawthorns House
Halfords Lane
Smethwick B66 1BB
Tel: 0121 555 8888 Fax: 0121 555 5333
Citizen Guides - Offer a look at some of our national institutions,
providing information on how the country is run and a clear glossary. Books
in the series include -
What Happens in a Law Court
What Happens in an Election
What Happens in a Town Hall
What Happens in Parliament
Published by Franklin Watts 2000
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Project contacts
Harbinger Primary School Cahir Street London E14
3QP Headteacher: Ms Mandy Boutwood
Tel: 020 7987 1924 Fax: 020 7538 8966
Email: head@harbinger.towerhamlets.sch.uk
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