First Elections

five of the six Grade 5 students who make up the Student Council

Education should focus on developing students, and not just academically. I want to empower my children.

In the first term i introduced Prefects (from Grade 2 – Grade 5 students) nominated by their teachers as role-models and discipline enforcers. It worked a treat and those selected wear their Prefect badges with a heap-load of pride. 

This term i wanted to set up a Student Council – six Grade 5 students and two observing Grade 4 students to “learn the ropes”. I am keen to introduce the concept myself before passing the mantle to Mr Solomon, our Student Enrichment co-ordinator. We have three Grade 5 classes and a book a half hour slot  in each of these classes to pitch the idea. My school revolves around them and i need them to assist me personally in school improvement. We review the notion of democracy – they studied Ancient Greece last year and tell them we’ll be holding an election in two weeks. They can make posters and should prefer speeches for hustings in the Library. I try to guide them to think beyond bake-sales, class parties and non-uniform days.

And they do. We have some 18 candidates up for just six places, the corridors are filled with a variety of election posters and there is an excited nervous tension as my school holds it’s first ever election.

the school is decorated with Student Council election posters

There is a diversity of candidates. Pang is a quiet student who arrived at the start of the school year from North Korea with no English at all Then there is Igor, a somewhat heavy-handed loutish Ethiopian boy who is no-one’s idea as a role model,and the softly spoken and delightful Eko, a tall and lanky Nigerian. All give their all - many nervously reading from a prepared speech held shakely in their hands, a couple read off queue cards and three have a stab at reciting their speeches off by heart. They canvas around a wide variety of responsible issues, activities and ideas-  Spelling Bees, community outreach projects, recycling and extended field-trips.

What heartens me most of all is their eloquence and thoughtful ideas. I am suitably impressed at all of their efforts and endeavours. I glance over  to the  teachers who have gathered to witness this historic moment, and i can see just how impressed they are with the high standard of oratory on show.

My kids are undoubtedly very special indeed. And at least it shows me that despite some of the low levels of teaching taking place, my children can still be successful.