Last week, our school was delighted to welcome our local MP, Cat Smith, for a visit that brought politics to life for our students. The highlight for many was the Year 8 Question Time, where students had prepared thoughtful and challenging questions about issues that impact them and their community. Topics included environmental concerns, the cost of living and education. Cat Smith praised the Year 8 students for their confidence, noting that their questions reflected an impressive awareness of current affairs.
The day also saw our KS3 Leadership Team take centre stage as they launched their own campaign on a hotly debated topic ‘Should the voting age in the United Kingdom be lowered from 18 to 16?’ Students split into two groups—one team campaigning for the change, the other against it. They produced leaflets, posters, and videos to help the school understand the arguments on both sides.
Following the campaign, the whole school made their way to a specially set-up Polling Station mirroring the real experience of casting a vote. Ballot papers were issued, booths were used, and votes were posted into sealed ballot boxes before being counted by staff and student volunteers.
The result was close, but ultimately 57% of students voted ‘No’ to lowering the voting age, while 43% voted ‘Yes’.
George Coureau, who led the ‘Yes’ campaign said:
“Doing the referendum was a great way to teach us and our classmates about how politics works. Seeing the result was surprising, but hopefully it sent a message to our MP about what young people want for not just the future, but their future”.
Molly Leece, leader of the ‘No’ campaign told us:
“I enjoyed the experience of parliament and being involved in the election. I was ecstatic with the result and meeting the local MP Cat Smith.”
The visit and the campaign created a real buzz around school and gave students first-hand experience of democracy in action. As Cat Smith left, she remarked that seeing young people so engaged gave her great hope for the future of UK politics.
