Youngsters at Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich took to the polls for the their own elections this afternoon, as part of an innovative project to help them understand the election process.

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The three year five classes each represent a different party campaigning for policies to improve the school, and have spent the last month putting together manifestos, creating party broadcasts, budgeting election expenses and canvassing votes.

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Yesterday, each class represented a constituency and voted for candidates, with the winners now being able to implement school improvements in the next year.

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Headteacher Wendy James said: “It’s been brilliant and their understanding of the political process has been greatly enhanced.

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“They were able to see the process happen, and we will be able to see the manifesto of the winning party implemented when they are in year six.”

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Ipswich Star: Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWNSidegate Primary School in Ipswich has been running a school-wide election project since the snap election was announced. Youngsters in the school have formed parties and have been canvassing other classes for votes on policies to improve the school. Left to right, Matthew, Isobelle and Jasper. Picture: GREGG BROWN