Newington pupils hit the campaign trail for Democracy Week elections

The Newington candidates

The new head boys and girls at Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate have pledged to help fellow pupils, staff and their school community.

Two head boys and two head girls – Kate and Sophia, Kye and Ronnie – were selected after a dozen candidates hit the election trail in search for votes at the ballot boxes which were placed in the school reception area.

They created promotional posters, put together manifestos, and presented campaign speeches to classes across the school as part of Newington Democracy Week.

Sophia said: “We are proud to have been chosen and we hope to be role models for our fellow pupils throughout the school.”

The quality of the Year 6 candidates was so high that the remaining eight are all deputy head boys and girls.

Teacher Dani Jamieson co-ordinated the election. She said: “The pupils worked extremely hard, putting together sensible campaign ideas, creating posters, and addressing assemblies with their ideas.”

The ‘returning officer’ who announced the election results at a special assembly was Ramsgate Town Councillor Tricia Hartley who represents Newington ward.

She said: “I am so impressed with how this campaign has been conducted. I am sure the head boys and girls will represent their classmates and help others as part of their new duties. They will be excellent ambassadors for a fantastic school.”

Head Teacher Cliff Stokes said: “It is important for pupils to learn about their rights as voters and about taking part in the election process. This is an excellent way of teaching them about how democracy works.

“The campaign speeches were passionate and many centred on our Newington Winners ethos, what it was like to be a pupil at Newington and what they could do to help enhance school life.”