Political Literacy Education
POL-Ed (Political Literacy Education)
What is POL-Ed?
At our school, we use POL-Ed to help children make sense of the world around them through discussions about current events and issues. Using age-appropriate resources, children explore important questions, learn about different viewpoints and develop the confidence to share their own ideas respectfully.
These discussions encourage children to be curious, think carefully and understand that people may have different opinions. As a Church of England school, we value kindness, respect and compassion, and these values are at the heart of every POL-Ed lesson.
How is POL-Ed taught?
Children take part in a 20-minute POL-Ed lesson every other week using the POL-Ed resources.
Each lesson includes:
- A current affairs question or topic to explore.
- Key vocabulary and facts to support understanding.
- Opportunities for discussion and sharing ideas.
- Listening to and respecting different viewpoints.
- Time to reflect on what has been learnt.
Lessons are carefully adapted to suit the age and understanding of children from EYFS to Year 6.
Our Aims
Through POL-Ed, we aim to help children:
- Become confident when sharing their thoughts and opinions.
- Understand that people may see things differently.
- Ask thoughtful questions and think critically.
- Develop an understanding of democracy, fairness and equality.
- Learn more about local, national and global issues.
- Grow into respectful, responsible members of their community.
Curriculum Links
POL-Ed supports learning across a range of subjects, including:
- PSHE
- Religious Education (RE)
- English, particularly speaking, listening and discussion
- History
- Geography
- British Values
- Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development
- Oracy
British Values
POL-Ed gives children regular opportunities to explore and understand the British Values:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
These values sit alongside our Christian vision, helping children learn how to live well together, show respect for others and contribute positively to society.
Learning in the Classroom
POL-Ed lessons encourage children to:
- Listen carefully to one another.
- Share their ideas with confidence.
- Respect different opinions.
- Explain their thinking using reasons and evidence.
- Reflect on how current events affect people, communities and the wider world.
Our classrooms provide a safe and supportive environment where every child is encouraged to contribute. Discussions are always balanced, age appropriate and carefully planned.
Working with Parents
Some POL-Ed lessons explore current affairs or issues that children may have heard about outside of school. These topics are always chosen carefully and discussed in a balanced, sensitive and age-appropriate way.
Our role is not to tell children what to think, but to help them learn how to ask questions, think critically, consider different viewpoints and make informed decisions.
We value the partnership between home and school and encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home, helping children develop into thoughtful, respectful and compassionate young people.