STUDENTS across Bradford have been using their vote to raise the voices of young people in current affairs.
Pupils from Beckfoot Upper Heaton School and Fearnville Primary School, have participated in the Votes for Schools programme which gives young people the chance to explore current affairs and news, giving them a say on various topics.
The programme encourages young people to develop their debating skills and confidence - and pushes them to have an open mind.
Weekly sessions are held, where children are presented with an issue, key areas are discussed and debated and then pupils vote on the issue.
Topics covered recently include animal testing, climate change and whether the Prime Minister should resign after partygate.
Beckfoot Upper Heaton School was one of the secondary schools in Bradford that worked on the programme.
Year 8 students spoke highly of the scheme, highlighting that it had boosted their confidence and opened their minds to new perspectives.
Abigail Sims, a student, said: “It’s an eye-opener and relevant to the times.
“It’s particularly important as these sessions give us all the facts and then let us make an opinion and they let us see the world as it is.”
Alongside current affairs, the programme works on other issues such as mental health and grief.
Karina Acatrinei said: “A lot of people don’t take mental health seriously or are aware of it.
“We talked about it at a time when I was struggling with my mental health, and it was helpful.”
The scheme works with a broad range of students, including those at a primary level.
Students from Fearnville Primary School were excited about the lessons and found them engaging.
Sarah Bowe, Headteacher at Fearnville, said: “We are the 12th most deprived school in Bradford and our ambition is to educate articulate children who have high aspirations.
“We want the children to know that their voices matter and are important.”
Year 4 students had strong opinions on animal testing and whether Boris Johnson should still be Prime Minister.
Oleg Jacewicz, 9, said: “Boris Johnson shouldn’t have his job for partying. He told all of us we couldn’t go outside and see our families but he can go to a party."
Votes for Schools’ main aim is to engage and educate young people in current affairs and teach the students the art of debate to.
The programme works with organisations such as UNICEF, The Counter-Terrorism Police, the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the Children's Society, the Youth Justice Board, NCA, the Metropolitan police, the Big Issue, The Times & Sunday Times, and Sky News, to reflect the opinions of young people and bring them into the conversation.
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