A group of Norfolk students have seized a unique opportunity to tell a government minister how their school's efforts to promote democracy could be used as an example to others.
Five pupils from Framingham Earl High School, near Norwich, joined headteacher Nicola Furneaux, in giving a 10-minute presentation to John Penrose, the minister for constitutional reform, and 100 others.
It was the only school in the country invited to address the launch of the British Youth Council's Discovering Democracy Awards, at Admiralty House in London, on International Democracy Day on Tuesday.
Pupil Millie White, 15, said: 'We all spoke about different aspects of the school that make it a very democratic space.'
Examples included giving representatives of pupils an equal say as adults in the appointment of senior staff, a school newsletter entirely written and produced by pupils, and pupil-led campaigns on issues such as food poverty, which saw them collect items for a food bank.
The school also re-assessed its statement of values last term, including its motto, and held a referendum of pupils, parents, staff and governors which adopted 'Anything is possible', and saw pupils lead the re-design of the reception area to reflect this.
Ruby Staton, 15, said: 'I was privileged that of all the schools in the country that could have been chosen, we were the one that was chosen. Everyone seemed so important, so I was very nervous.'
After their presentation, the group met Jon Foster, chairman of the British Youth Council, which launched the new award.
Cerys Maryan, 15, said: 'He was comparing our school to his school when he was growing up. He said the opportunities available to schools like Framingham Earl should be shared everywhere, and all schools should strive to be like us.'
Pupils are now considering organising a trip for those who have turned 16 to put themselves on the electoral register so they can vote when they turn 18, and introducing voter registration for internal elections for pupils when they join the school, so they are more familiar with the democratic process.
Millie said: 'There's a stereotype for young people that they don't think democracy is interesting. I was keen to show our school is interested in democracy, and involved in politics. We are all very politically aware of what's around us.'
For information about the Discovering Democracy Awards, see leagueofyoungvoters.co.uk/discovering-democracy-awards
Do you have an education story? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk
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