Overseal Shine Parliament

We are delighted to launch the Overseal Shine Parliament for the very first time in 2026. This exciting initiative has been created to strengthen pupil voice, empowering our children to make a real difference within our school and wider community.

The Shine Parliament will help pupils develop confidence, independence, resilience and leadership skills while encouraging them to become active, responsible citizens. Through meaningful opportunities to contribute, pupils will learn to value diversity, respect others, understand their role in the community and help shape the future of our school. It will also play an important role in ensuring our enrichment offer remains ambitious, extensive and responsive to the interests of our children.

Minister Roles

A Sports and Health Minister

• Work with the PE Lead and Senior Leadership Team to widen representation at sporting events.
• Promote health and wellbeing.
• Help develop sporting opportunities beyond PE lessons.

An Arts and Culture Minister

• Develop opportunities in music, art, dance and theatre.
• Promote visits to museums, galleries and cultural experiences.
• Enhance the school's creative enrichment offer.

A Charities and Community Minister

• Strengthen links with our local community.
• Lead charitable initiatives and fundraising.
• Work with partners to support those less fortunate and promote civic responsibility.

A Nature and Conservation Minister

• Develop nature-based enrichment opportunities.
• Lead environmental and conservation projects.
• Encourage pupils to care for and improve their environment.

A Life Skills Minister

• Work alongside school leaders to help prepare pupils for life beyond school.
• Support opportunities that develop independence, aspiration and essential life skills.
• Help ensure pupils are equipped to shine now and in their next chapters.

Members of Shine Parliament MPs

Each class elects two SHINE Parliament representatives to share their classmates' views and ideas through our student forums. This supports our vision that we value everyone, enabling all pupils to make a positive contribution and experience democracy in action by having their voices heard and helping shape school life.

To recognise the commitment and service of all SHINE Parliament members and ministers, the school will host its first SHINE Parliament Garden Party in the summer. Representatives will be invited to attend with their friends and family to celebrate their achievements and contributions throughout the year.

Applying for a Minister Role or to be a class MP

Children should think carefully about which role motivates and inspires them most. Applications will open each November, and pupils will be invited to submit a short statement explaining:

• Why they would like the role.
• The skills and qualities they would bring.
• Their ideas for helping Overseal continue to shine.

All ministers and MPS will be elected democratically by our whole school community, ensuring pupil voice remains at the heart of decision-making.

Expectations

To be eligible for a parliamentary role, pupils must maintain at least 96% attendance and demonstrate the values of our school through their commitment, responsibility and positive example to others.

Through the Overseal Shine Parliament, every child will have the opportunity to be heard, make a contribution and help create a school where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to shine. ✨

"Leaders' programme for personal development gives pupils lots of opportunities to think about the key issues young adults face in modern society. Pupils thoughtfully discuss important contemporary national and international issues." Ofsted 2026