Democracy in Action – Living the fundamental British Values!

Students at the Grace Academy are no longer just following the rules; they are making them. Through a series of weekly referendums, the student body is actively shaping their own school experience by voting on key issues ranging from canteen menus to lunchtime social activities.

This initiative, which takes place during regular tutor sessions, is designed to help students live fundamental British values by giving them a direct impact on their school environment. Rather than decisions being made behind closed doors, students are given the platform to have their say on what matters most to them.

One of the most popular outcomes of this democratic process occurred at the end of last term. A resounding 68% of tutor groups voted for a ‘Taste of the West Indies’ to be the next major theme day in the school canteen.

The democratic pulse of the academy extends well beyond the dining hall. When students were asked to choose between new board games or more athletic equipment for their breaks, 57% of groups voted for additional table tennis tables. The school acted quickly on these results, and the new tables have already been installed on both the front and back playground areas for students to enjoy. We also purchased board games like Scrabble, Uno and Chess, as well as a variety of puzzles for students to ensure we were inclusive of all our student body’s preferences when it comes to how they would like to spend their social times. 

At Grace Academy students are proving that their voices are the driving force behind academy life.