Primary school pupils are to have their say on the issues that affect them with the launch of a new, all-Island forum.
The Pupil Voice Forum is described by Louise Oates, Headteacher at Braddan Primary, as ‘an exciting venture’ for the Island.
A pilot being launched next Wednesday will see 10 primaries participating but it is hoped that, eventually, pupils from all 35 primary schools will take part in meetings, which will be held three times a year.
The forum will complement existing school councils and forums, which have a say in the running of their schools, Mrs Oates said.
‘This is a way for pupils to raise and discuss common concerns and a forum where they can access information from the Department of Education and Children, the Isle of Man Government as a whole – in fact, anyone.’
The idea for the Pupil Voice Forum stemmed from the Isle of Man Government’s Children’s Plan, which talks about the importance of young people having their ideas and opinions taken seriously.
‘For some young people, such as those in care, such opportunities have been developed. We felt there was space for the collective view of the primary pupil across the Island to be represented and given a platform,’ explained Max Carroll-Kelly, deputy Headteacher at Braddan.
Braddan Primary has been central to the project as it has rebranded its school council as a pupil voice forum.
‘More than just a shift in name, it is also a shift in the way it works and operates. Many of its principles link to the UN Charter for Rights and Responsibilities, something I have an interest in and have recently been to see in practice in schools in the UK,’ Mrs Oates continued.
‘I then obtained the Department’s permission to develop this wider pilot.’
Themes the pupils will tackle will centre on the five key outcomes set down for children and young people by the Government: Staying safe, being healthy, enjoying life and achieving, making a positive contribution and prospering.
The topic on pupils’ lips at next Wednesday’s inaugural meeting will be one close to their hearts and their stomachs as well – school meals.
Braddan pupils will also act as roving reporters, covering the meeting for a film being made for the DEC’s wiki – https://www2.sch.im/
‘The Pupil Voice Forum is not a decision-making body and won’t have any powers. It’s just a chance for pupils to air their opinions and make choices about any actions that they want to take,’ Mrs Oates continued.
‘Bodies involved with young people will be able to approach the forum as a way of accessing the opinions of primary-aged pupils.’
Eddie Teare, Minister for Education and Children, welcomed the launch of the Pupil Voice Forum, saying: ‘We may think, as adults and educators, that we always know what young people want and believe but by listening to them, we can learn from them, too.’
The creation of the Pupil Voice Forum follows the launch of the Island’s first ever all-Island Youth Council for 13 to 25-year-olds. That arose from last November’s UCount2, an event for young people hosted by the Youth Service, a division of the Department of Education and Children. It met for the first time in April and hopes to influence decision-makers.
Ends
Thursday 5th, May 2011 02:25pm.
