Local Democracy Week

14th – 18th October was designated as Local Democracy Week and Selby High School, along with local primary schools, were invited to be involved with activities organised by the Selby Town Council. The purpose of the week was to give youngsters an insight into how the local town council operates and the main event was a mock council meeting, run by students but attended by local councillors. The new leisure centre, play areas in the community and local events such as the fun day, bonfire celebrations and the christmas lights were items on the agenda.  Four students from Selby High School, Ellie Dethridge, Reuben Bennie, Charles Edmondson and Harry Kent took on the main roles in the meeting ( Chair, Vice Chair, Town Clerk and Planning Officer) and did very well, keeping the meeting in order and following the protocols and formalities that are expected in a real council meeting..  The roles of other councillors were taken by students from the primary schools and they also did very well, asking many probing questions.

Selby High School students really enjoyed the experience and gained a valuable insight into how decisions are made at a local level.

In addition the Mayor, Graham Gatman, together with local councillors Jude Thurlow and Andy Williams came into year 9 PSHEE and Citizenship lessons throughout the week, to explain about the role of local councillors and to take part in question and answer sessions relating to issues that affect Selby and local youngsters in particular.  We thank them for giving up their time to come into school and help with the delivery of this aspect of citizenship education and to Karen Mann and her team for inviting us to be part of this valuable initiative.