Falkland Primary School pupils convince teachers to have ‘Break the Rulz day’ on February 8
Pupils from a Newbury primary school managed to convince their teachers to let them break several school rules without the fear of consequences.
Falkland Primary School in Wash Common had its very own ‘Break the Rulz day’ on February 8, during which children were allowed to break up to four rules with a fine of 50p per rule broken.
The unusual day was prompted by several year 5 pupils writing persuasive letters to their headteacher who was convinced to let the day go ahead.
Falkland headteacher Kavash Bamfield said: “When I arrived at my office one morning, it felt like I was reliving a scene from the Harry Potter movie when Hedwig delivered hundreds of letters to the Dursley’s home.
“Intrigued, I opened the letters at once to find the most persuasive letters requesting a Break the Rulz day at Falkland.
“The letters were so well written that I had to agree.”
A newly appointed group of students called the Falkland ambassadors planned the day by designing posters, agreeing on the rules to be broken and deciding on the amount for each rule break.
Mrs Bamfield added: “The school aimed to make this a fun experience and children were reminded that all other school rules still applied.
“Some of the most popular rule breaks were arriving in school in non-uniform or pyjamas, choosing to eat pudding before the main meal, squash in water bottles and choosing a playtime snack of their choice.”
Year 1 pupil Sienna said: “It was so much fun working with the older children to plan Break the Rulz day. I am proud to be a Falkland ambassador.”
Year 3 pupil Evelyn said: “It was funny seeing our teachers dressed in PJs and wigs.
“Mrs Bamfield was the school sheriff. Someone had to make sure there was law and order.”
The Falkland ambassadors counted the money collected from rule breaking at the end of the day to find that £601 was raised. This will go towards planning a fun day at the school during the summer term.
Mrs Bamfield said: “Pupil voice builds a true sense of community as pupils are championed to take their skills and involve themselves in pertinent discussions around the direction of the school.
“The power of pupil voice gives children responsibility and nurtures collaboration, leadership and negotiation.”
She added that the year 5 students were inspired to send the letters because of a visit from Cameron Blackshaw, a Newbury Weekly News reporter and former Falkland pupil, who gave a talk on his job and how to write a news article earlier in the school year.
