A BRADFORD school teacher has received a Gold Award as a Teacher Ambassador for Parliament Education.

Sarah Bilevych, Wibsey Primary School’s Wibsey Skills for Life leader, has created a School Parliament which gives pupils a greater say in school activities and increases their knowledge of democracy and British values.

Sarah started the Teacher Ambassador training in July, 2018. By October, she was able to introduce what she had learned to the staff and linked it to the Wibsey Skills for Life Curriculum, devised by the school.

A Whole School Democracy Week was held last November, followed by the setting up of the first School Parliament. During the week the children held classroom debates and learned more about the work of Parliament. They gained an understanding of “voting areas” or constituencies and set up a Polling Station.

The week also included visits from Bradford South MP Judith Cummins who answered questions at assemblies for children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Last year’s School Parliament voted for more training about cooking which resulted in a Wibsey Chef Day and ideas about fundraising events.

Sarah has completed the Teacher Ambassador Training and was delighted to have gained the highest level of achievement, the Gold Award. She said: “I strongly recommend the training to any teacher involved in promoting pupil voice at their school.

"I had the opportunity to visit the House of Commons and Houses of Parliament where I met other teachers and shared ideas. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my own subject knowledge and enthusiasm around democracy which was then cascaded across school.”

Now the new school year is underway, plans are being drawn up for another School Parliament and a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Headteacher Nigel Cooper said: “We were very happy when Sarah gained the Gold Award for the Teacher Ambassador for Parliament Education training. Exciting plans are being prepared for this year’s School Parliament and other activities around democracy and British values.”