How can we contribute to school decision-making?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why pupil voice matters and how we can influence decision-makers.
Key learning points
- Article 12 of the UNCRC grants children the right to express their views on matters affecting them.
- Pupil voice contributes to enhanced school climate, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Decision-makers include individuals or bodies with authority to implement change in education settings.
- Influencing change involves identifying a need, gathering evidence, cause and effect, planning and taking action.
- An active citizen engages constructively in school and community decision-making processes.
Keywords
Pupil voice - the views, opinions and ideas of pupils about their school experience, which are listened to and considered in decision-making
Decision-makers - people or groups who have the authority to make lasting change in communities
Active citizens - a person who actively takes responsibility, becomes involved in areas of public concern and tries to make a positive difference in their community
Common misconception
Young people cannot make a difference because adults are the decision-makers.
Young people can make a difference. Article 12 of the UNCRC says children have the right to be heard in decisions that affect them. For example, Martha Payne was only nine years old when she helped change school meals by sharing her views.
Teacher tip
Keep reminding pupils that democracy is not just about voting at 18. It is about being involved in the issues that affect them now, including school life. Refer back to Article 12 of the UNCRC throughout and if scope, design an activity that could put pupil voice into action.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the person with what type of action they are achieving.
inspiring action
taking action
taking no action
Q2.When someone talks about sustainability, they often include ....
Q3.The Act 2010 was created for many reasons, including to prevent prejudice and discrimination.
Q4.Order this sentence about the UK Government.
Q5.The UNCRC stands for the United Nations Convention on the of the Child.
Q6.Why does community cohesion help lasting change to happen?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its definition.
the views, opinions and ideas of pupils in school decision-making
people or groups who have the authority to make lasting change
a person who tries to make a difference through positive action
Q2.Article of the UNCRC says that children have the right to express their views in matters affecting them.
Q3.What can pupil voice help to improve?
Q4.To make change, young people must first identify a ...
Q5.Which statement is most accurate?
Q6.You need to become an citizen to make your voice heard.
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How can we contribute to school decision-making?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How can we contribute to school decision-making?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the How can young people play an active role in democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.