Our school voting board has continued to be a successful activity, building on the progress made last year.

At the start of the year, students discuss the importance of voting and why it matters in a democracy, helping them understand their role as active citizens. Pupils now take responsibility for choosing the weekly question which ranges from fun topical debates such as “Saying 67 is now cringe” and more serious issues that are currently being discussed in NI like the length of school holidays and the uniform reforms.

Students also take responsibility for counting the votes and decided on rules this year for what constitutes as a “spoiled ballot”, showing strong youth leadership and ownership of the process.

The voting board also encourages communication, as students share their opinions and listen to others across the school. It provides a simple and practical way for students to experience democratic learning, as they take part in decision-making and see how every vote contributes to the final result.