Published on:
10
March 2023
Inspired by the Your Vote Week campaign, pupils at Abercromby Primary School have been gearing up for political debate and classroom elections. Your Vote Week is a campaign by the Electoral Commission to spark campaigners across the UK to speak to students in schools and raise young people’s political awareness.
The P6 pupils learned about the democratic system and how they are impacted by their government by comparing the rights they have with children living under different forms of government. Having learned about the different areas of government, the students designed a leaflet to inform visitors to the Scottish Parliament of an array of important strands of government including how MSPs are elected, what powers the Scottish Parliament holds and the different roles in the Scottish Parliament.
Abercromby Primary School was visited by Angela McGarrigle from the Scottish Parliament Outreach Team who spoke to the pupils about what its like to work in Scottish Government as well as how the Presiding Officer is an impartial role, just like a teacher in a classroom.
Inspired by political knowledge, the pupils were ready for debate using resources from the Electoral Commission which aim to help improve children’s political literacy and knowledge of Scottish Government. Pupils formed their own political parties which included party names, slogans and logos before running their leadership contest, producing manifestos and outlining ideas to improve the school and community for the youth of Tullibody. Some party prospective policies included: Free swimming lessons, a shorter school day, train station in Cambus, banning cigarettes, more clothes shops in Tullibody and an electric car trade in scheme
Once leaders were elected, the parties were ready to battle it out in a rigorous debate on why their policies are the best for Tullibody. The pupils then used the Council’s official polling booths and ballot boxes on loan from the election team and poll clerks were assigned to try to reflect a real life voting experience before learners voted for their chosen party. Votes were counted and the winning party celebrated their win.
Spokesperson for Education Councillor Graham Lindsay said: “As a local government politician it is wonderful to see schools engaging in politics as well as encouraging children to understand and get involved in the voting process. Initiatives such as Your Vote Week are a great way to ensure future generations are ready to shape the Scottish landscape.”