Democracy Day was an opportunity for young people across the district to learn about how elections work, how and where decisions are made, and how their voice matters.
Organised by the Braintree District Cultural Education Partnership and BDC Communities and Elections Teams young people:
- Found out about the different layers of decision making from Central Government to School Councils
- Learnt about the UK voting process with the Elections Team
- Worked together to create a new name for the partnership
- Took part in a real-life vote and counted the ballots.
- Were offered funding to conduct their own vote and project back in school.
- The following schools attended:
- Great Bradfords Juniors
- Great Bradfords Infants
- Mid Essex Academy
- Alec Hunter Academy
- Maltings Academy
- Finchingfield Academy
- Devere Primary
- Lyons Hall Primary
- Great Bardfield Primary
- John Bunyan Primary
- John Ray Infants
- John Ray Juniors
- St. Andrew’s, Hatfield Peverel Junior School
Democracy Day was organised because of feedback from the BDCEP steering group. An ex-teacher had previously attended a similar event at Causeway House and found it invaluable. The partnership saw the opportunity to engage with young people to find out what cultural / arts activities they would like to take part in, whilst also giving them the opportunity to choose a new name for the group! The Elections team were vital in the planning and delivery of the day, which also fed into their objective of increasing electoral registrations of 16-year-olds.
Exploring Arts and Culture in Our School
On Democracy Day, we gathered feedback from students about the arts and cultural activities they participate in and their thoughts on expanding these opportunities. The responses provided valuable insights into our school’s creative landscape.