Democratic Education: Schools

Primary Schools: Examples

Name of School: Park School

School Web address: www.park-school.info

Type of School:
Independent (democratic) Primary School

Number of pupils: 72 pupils 3-11 years

Location: South West England

 

School Meeting

Once a week there is a school meeting. All the children attend although the Early Years usually leave about half way through, as they find it difficult to concentrate or be still for the whole meeting.

All the children sit in a circle with the teachers, all at the same physical level – usually on the floor, either in a classroom, outside or in a tent that we have. The meeting is chaired by the older children (10-11) years who take it in turns to do this task.

Previous to this there are class meetings and children or teachers bring points of discussion to the main school meeting from these meetings. Points of discussion are entered on the agenda in a book that is held by the chair of the meeting during the meeting.

The meeting starts with a song and is sometimes the opportunity for everyone to learn a new song. We then sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to anybody who has had a birthday that week.

The points of discussion are then worked through. Every child has the opportunity to contribute. Hands must be raised if you want to speak. Teachers have no more right to speak than children and must wait their turn. Sometimes the teachers assist the chair with their task if they feel they are struggling. Matters are discussed. Some matters are voted on and rules passed or decisions made at these meetings by majority vote. However it is felt that not all decisions can be made at these meetings. Often these areas are around Health and Safety. The result is that whole school voting happens when the teachers feel it is appropriate. However this does not imply that the things voted on are necessarily minor. The teachers try and give the children as much power as possible. It must be remembered that the children are between 3 and 11 and so do not always have a complete overview of the effects of certain decisions. It is my view that as teachers and guardians one of our jobs is to act as wise overseers of young people’s lives encouraging them to take as much responsibility as they as are able to. The issue of course, is always with the wisdom of the adults.

Often suggestions or comments are made which are taken to staff meetings.

The meeting also provides an opportunity for lively debate and expression and is of course an opportunity for children to be together and discuss the running of their school. It provides a sense of participation and ownership as well as celebration and fun. The meeting ends with children playing a game all together or in groups.