Democracy and freedom of debate are at the heart of British values, and they have been much in evidence around school this week. Upper School children took time to discuss a very real and very current topic that will have a direct impact upon their lives: the potential ban on social media for under 16s. Whilst Year 8 were almost unilaterally opposed to the notion, they did an excellent job of accepting the coin toss to see which group would argue which side, and then constructing powerful arguments with supporting examples. Learning to think from a different point of view to your own, and to understand the thinking of people different from you is a vital life skill.
Year 7 pupils have been exploring a hypothetical situation in which a (fictional) school Head has repeated trouble with children flouting his strict rules on uniform. If the Parent Handbook says “No jewellery of any kind”, should a Christian pupil remove a crucifix? Should a ring that belonged to a much missed loved one be allowed? But what if it is also very valuable? They explored moral relativity, and looked at when it might be appropriate to question, or even break rules. For some of the children, rules were rules and only fair if they applied to everyone. For others, context and understanding were the key to defining right and wrong in each case.
Democracy, and the responsibilities that accompany it, also figured large in the life of Year 8 this week. Having failed to reach agreement on the name for their Wellness Plant, one class requested the chance for a democratic vote. This was granted, but voter turnout was less than 100% as not everyone remembered to check their email for the voting form before polls closed. Should the voices of those who didn’t vote still be heard? This provoked a further discussion on whether democracy is a right or a privilege, and whether we have a moral duty as citizens to participate when given the chance that many people in the world lack.
Democracy plays a part all across the school, with the children electing their School Council reps, and the School Council votes on its ideas before presenting them to me. One of the most prestigious awards at Year 8 Leavers’ Assembly each June is the Lawson Cup for Most Positive Pupil, and this is voted for by the year group themselves.
A world in which free and fair debate is welcome, and one in which we are encouraged to understand the views of others, even if we disagree with them, is one that is needed more than ever. Democracy is a precious thing, and should be valued by those who have it as they strive to give everyone access to it.
I am proud that St Christopher’s is a microcosm for such important messages.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head