Votes for Schools

Intent

At Oakridge, we strive for our pupils to be well prepared for life outside of Oakridge. Votes for schools is a tool used by the school which allows children to discuss challenging current issues. As well as providing comprehensive coverage of prevent, British Values and the SMSC curriculum, Votes for Schools empowers young voices, building oracy, confidence and critical thinking.

Implementation

Introduction to children - Content is taught at an age appropriate levels for children in both upper (Years 4-6) and lower school (Years 1-3) during our weekly topic assemblies. Children are provided with background information around the subject and left with a closed question to consider for the week. We believe that children must make informed decisions and are therefore provided with information for both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ options.

Further exploration - Children are then provided time within the curriculum to explore the questions further with teachers. We encourage pupils to share ideas, articulate their views and challenge the opinions of others respectfully, leading to thought provoking debate about the world around us. 

Votes - At the end of each session pupils vote for the key issues addressed. Every vote is shared through the Votes for Schools platform and compared to other schools locally and nationally.

Close links have been made to our Oakridge threads. Some examples include:

1. Democracy - Should UK Parliament move around the country? (7-11) | Should we all learn more about the UK? (5-7)
2. Environment - Should we learn more about coping with extreme weather? (7-11) | Should you know how to prepare for the weather? (5-7)
3. Equality and Diversity - Do we know how to appreciate other people's heritage? (7-11) | Can you learn from other people's life stories? (5-7)
4. Culture and Society - Should there be stricter rules on knife crime? (9-11) | Do you know how to be safe on your streets? (5-9)

Impact

During weekly School Council meetings, the representatives discuss the results. These often inform curriculum planning. As a direct result of Votes for Schools, our pupils are learning about the world around them, but they are also becoming active citizens and preparing for participating in our democratic processes as adults.

PSHE

Evidence shows that being educated in core skills early on in life gives children the best chance of developing the resilience, confidence and practical skills to navigate life on and off line, empowering them to make changes to last a lifetime. For this reason, here at Oakridge School, we use SCARF scheme of work, which aligns closely with our values. We aim to promote children’s knowledge, self-esteem, emotional well-being and resilience. In addition to this, we also aim to support pupils to form positive relationships.

SCARF promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through engaging and inclusive content, enabling them to make appropriate choices as they navigate a rich, varied, often complex and ever-evolving life in modern Britain - and the world. Our flexible approach ensures inclusivity and addresses the unique needs of every school community, nurturing an environment where all pupils can thrive.

Using Coram Scarf, our scheme of work for PSHE, teachers deliver a varied curriculum with clear progression from reception to year six. Each year, children explore the following topics:

1. Me and My Relationships

In year 1, children explore what makes them special and who their trusted adults are. This learning is then built on in year 2 where children learn how to be a good friend. Further up the school, in year 5 and 6, children learn about healthy relationships. Across the school children are taught what bullying is and what the school rules are about bullying.

      2. Valuing Differences

With a diverse culture within Oakridge School, pupils are taught to celebrate differences, similarities and how to show each other respect.

      3. Keeping Safe

Within this unit, children learn who can keep them safe, how to stay healthy, unsafe secrets and how to manage risk including online safety.

      4. Rights and Respects

Children are taught how to take care of things including money and their environment in year 1. This learning is further built upon across the school and in year 6, children learn about lending, borrowing and spending money in preparation for secondary school and beyond.

     5. Being my Best

We encourage children to be their best! Pupils are taught about growth mindsets and how to look after their bodies through healthy eating. In year 6, children are taught about media awareness and safety.

     6. Growing and Changing

From year 1, children are taught how to take care of themselves and others. In year 4, children are taught about changing bodies.

Available documentation

PSHE Policy

Curriculum Content Document

Progression Grid

Relationships and Health Education (RHE)