Today we took a deep dive into the concept of democracy—what it means, why it matters, and how it compares with other forms of government. We began by unpacking the core idea of democracy and discussing what it represents to each student. This led to thoughtful conversations about alternative systems and how power is distributed within them.
One of the standout moments was the class’s ability to identify the strengths of democratic systems. Students recognised that democracy provides a high level of personal liberty and gives people a genuine opportunity to influence change. Many also highlighted the importance of freedom of speech, noting that open expression is vital for any democracy to function effectively.
At the same time, the group showed maturity in acknowledging the risks and challenges that come with placing power in the hands of the people. They pointed out how public opinion can be easily influenced, and how voters may not always be experts in the complex issues they are asked to decide on.
To finish the lesson, students were given a task: to write a short forum-style post sharing their views on whether the voting age should be lowered. This encouraged them to apply the day’s learning to a real, relevant debate.
Well done, everyone — great thinking and excellent discussion throughout!
