SHS awarded Discovering Democracy Award

Selby High School have recently been awarded The Discovering Democracy Award for 2015/2016. This is an award for secondary schools that create a positive culture of citizenship and democracy, and help develop youth participation in society. The award is funded by The Cabinet Office and supported by HM Government. As one of only 45 schools across the country, this is a huge achievement for the school and celebrates the extent to which Selby High School equip our students with the skills and knowledge to play a full and active part in society.

The award was based on 12 criteria of which schools had to meet at least 6, which Miss Levitt provided case studies for. As part of the evidence we provided was the excellent work of the Student Council, who now have sub committees for Service, Facilities and Eco, and Personal Learning, Skills and Rewards to ensure that all aspects of school life can be influenced by student council members The student council also assist senior leaders with regular meetings, the interviewing of new staff and to assist with key decision making. Student Council members have had the opportunity to share this good practice with their peers from other schools through the Student Leadership Conference and the Student Voice Summit which are both held annually by North Yorkshire County Council.

Alongside the work of our Student Council, there were further criteria involving the innovative ways in which democracy can be promoted both in the classroom and through enrichment activities. Democracy is built into the curriculum in many areas including a dedicated project for Year 7 in Personal Learning which includes learning about politics around the world, and a mock class election based on the parties that students create to best represent their views. The PSHCEE&C curriculum also promotes democracy with the theme running throughout learning in key stages 3 and 4. Annually students take part in the Make Your Mark Ballot during Form Time which allows them to express their views on key topics which may affect them. The results of these are fed back through North Yorkshire County Council and the Youth Parliament.

On Tuesday 22nd March Miss Levitt and Mrs Butler were invited to The Houses of Parliament to accept the award on behalf of Selby High School. The presentation was delivered by John Penrose, the Minister for Constitutional Reform and included all winners from around the country.