Pupil power as children take over at schools

Photo: Darren Robinson

Take Over Day at Roundthorn Primary Academy school. PIC shows Andrew Hulmes (assistant principal) and pupil Alyia Mustafa (assistant principal for the day).

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IT was power to the pupils at they took over the running of their schools.

Roundthorn and Whitegate End primaries were among the hundreds of workplaces in England which took part in the Children’s Commissioner’s annual Takeover Challenge.

It allows children and young people to take on adult roles, gives them a taste of decision-making, and encourages organisations and businesses to hear their views.

Pupils had to apply for jobs at Roundthorn Primary Academy.

They were interviewed by members of the school council, with 37 given positions ranging from teachers to ICT staff, site managers and midday supervisors.

With the academy’s head out of the school for the day, Alia Mustafa (10) was in charge as assistant principal.

Her duties included drawing up timetables and responding to emails. She said: “I like to help other people. I am very confident and I am good at working with other people.”

Hafsa Ali was one of six school cooks who helped to prepare quiche, ravioli and biscuits for lunch.

Ambition

The nine-year-old likes to help with the cooking at home and said the day was fun. But she does not want to be a cook when she grows up and explained: “My main ambition is to become a scientist.”

Yman Khatib (9) was one of four pupils who worked in the front office. He said that he had a “very busy” day while sports coach Haleema Sadia (9), added: “We have been doing fun activities like gymnastics and the parachute game.”

But probably the most nerve-wracking jobs of the day went to Malaika Khalid and Saira Asif who had to take the school’s weekly celebration assembly — in front of 200 pupils. Malaika (9) said: “It was quite frightening but I had a lot of confidence in myself.”

Roundthorn has received the Investors in Pupils Award, which recognises schools which get its children involved in decision making and leadership. It is also planning to delegate some of its budget to pupils to spend on projects of their choice.

Andy Hulmes, the school’s regular assistant principal, said: “We are really developing the role of pupil leadership and the takeover day has been really successful.”

email: karendoherty@oldham-chronicle.co.uk