Kirklees Together

Field Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School has been awarded the Democracy Friendly School award by Kirklees Council. The award recognises the school’s outstanding commitment to its pupils not only learning about local democracy in fun and creative ways, but letting them lead and shape activities as active citizens.

Community engagement and the environment

The children’s dedication to community involvement is demonstrated by its thriving gardening club, which includes both children and parents. The club maintains the school gardens and a community garden on the school grounds, where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown. Events like the Digathon, held during school holidays, allow families to engage in gardening activities and enjoy produce from the community garden.

Additionally, Children participate in litter-picking activities, demonstrating the school’s commitment to the environment. These efforts are complemented by curriculum-integrated studies of the local area, such as the ‘Made in Batley’ project in Key Stage 1 and local history studies in Upper Key Stage 2.

Promoting democratic values

Children have worked with teachers to implement several initiatives to teach other pupils about local democracy. The school’s SOUP events are a highlight, where funds are raised through non-uniform days, and Children present ideas on how to use the money. This process involves lively debates and a voting process that mirrors real-world elections, complete with voting booths and ballot boxes.

Children represented the school to celebrate ‘Welcome to Your Vote Week’, along with young people from Batley Girls High School, Diamond Wood Community Academy, Fairfield School, Field Lane J,I&N School and Westmoor Primary. The event was hosted by Fairfield School, and demonstrated a coming together of like minded children all interested in making their local places better.

The school also serves as a polling station, providing an opportunity for Children to engage with local councillors. Councillors are invited to visit the school, and Children have written letters and met with them to discuss community issues. These interactions have deepened Children’ understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local elected officials.

“I have learned about the importance of democracy. I also learned about what councillors do and how they can help improve the local area. Learning about the different wards was really interesting.” – Year 6 student

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“The work has helped children engage in something that is purposeful and become involved in something where they can make a difference. Having the opportunity to engage with local councillors helped the children to understand how councillors have to make important decisions.” – Year 6 teacher

 

Empowering Student Voices

Field Lane prioritises student voices in various ways, including student questionnaires and the Reach for the Stars program. This initiative allows Year 6 Children to learn from inspirational individuals who share their life experiences and professional journeys, encouraging a culture of high aspirations.

The school’s commitment to democratic education is further demonstrated by its participation in the Carry My Story project, which promotes intercultural learning and collaboration by sharing stories with local refugees and asylum seekers.

Looking Ahead

The school is committed to continuing its efforts to promote democratic values and active citizenship, with its children playing a key role. The school plans to expand its initiatives and increase Children’ understanding of active citizenship, local democracy and community involvement.

Headteacher Hilary Towers-Islam said, “The process of becoming a Democracy Friendly School has helped us fulfill our goal of preparing all our learners to be active citizens. Engaging with local councillors, debating community issues, presenting campaigns, and participating in voting have all become integral elements of our curriculum. I highly recommend this initiative to all schools aiming to develop solution-focused community leaders of the future.”

Get involved – sign up

We welcome expressions of interest from schools anywhere in Kirklees who would like to join our Democracy Friendly programme, at any time. Have a look at these pages to find out more about our free programme, see what you can expect when you sign up, and learn more about the benefits for children, young people and schools.

Find out more about how to become a Democracy Friendly School