Department for Education
Link Teacher: Mrs Saporita-Clark
On 14th November 2024, our Ministers for the Department of Education took part in their first virtual meeting of the year with other members of the Forward As One Pupil Advisory Board, led via Zoom. During the session, pupils explored the meaning of the word Education — defined as the process of teaching and learning, and the valuable knowledge and skills gained through this process, particularly within a school setting.
The focus of this half term’s work centred around Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This article states that education should help children to fully develop their personalities, talents, and abilities, while also encouraging them to respect others’ rights, cultures, and differences, live peacefully and care for the environment.
To raise awareness of this right within school, our Ministers led a whole-school assembly and launched a questionnaire to gather pupil views on how effectively Article 29 is being upheld at All Saints’. Children were also invited to design posters or presentations to illustrate how our school community supports this right every day.
‘All Saints’ Has Talent’ – Celebrating Article 29 in Action
During the Spring Term, our Education Ministers focused on the section of Article 29 which highlights the importance of helping children develop their talents and abilities. Inspired by this, they proposed two exciting initiatives to ensure all pupils had the opportunity to shine:
• A dedicated ‘All Saints’ Has Talent’ display, where children could share photos of themselves showcasing their unique talents — from sports and music to art and performance.
• A school-wide talent show, giving every child a platform to celebrate their skills and passions in front of their peers.
Each class held an in-class talent audition, with pupils voting for the top two acts to go forward to the grand final of ‘All Saints’ Has Talent’. The final was a joyful and well-attended celebration of creativity and confidence, with performances ranging from singing, dancing, gymnastics, hula-hooping and comedy, to impressive basketball tricks!
Judging was carried out by our Education and Sport, Media & Culture Ministers, along with guest staff judges. Prizes were awarded to 1st and 2nd place in three categories:
• EYFS/Year 1
• Years 2/3
• Years 4/5/6
Congratulations to all participants — and thank you for sharing your talents so brilliantly with the All Saints’ family!