Why is voting important at all?
We are fast approaching another general election for UK Parliament, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party squaring off against the Green Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. As per tradition, we, as a school, are once again holding a mock election for the students. The Vine interviewed Mr Carter, who is running these elections, and asked him some questions about why we are having a mock election and how it will benefit the students.
Why are we having a school election?
‘I think it is really important that young people have a voice as the decisions made by our government and our politicians will affect your age group the most. The College election is a great opportunity to find out what the different political parties stand for, what changes they plan to make and how these changes may affect young people.
Why is it important that young people take part in politics?
Understanding politics helps us to understand the world around us. It can give us an insight into how decisions are made. Taking part in politics allows your opinions to be heard.
How is the election going to work and how will we take part?
In the run up to the election there will be a Heathfield Hustings event. All the candidates who are running for the constituency of Bexhill and Battle have been invited to take part and I can confirm that the candidates for the Conservative Party, Green Party, Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party will be taking part in the Hustings event on Friday 6th December.
On the day of the election, Thursday 12th December, all students will be taking part in the vote and will briefly leave lessons during the day to do this. A senior teacher will let their teacher know when their turn is to vote in the College election.
Once the election is over, how will you keep students interested in politics?
Every Thursday lunchtime (in Hut 3) there is the Debating Society which is a fantastic opportunity to discuss and debate current events.
Are we expecting a difference in results from the last election in 2017?
Mock elections at Heathfield Community College have in the past led to very close results, for example in the last election the gap between 1st and 2nd place was just 3 votes! I think it is too early to predict the result of the College election and the General election as there is still a lot of time for things to change before election day.
As we edge closer to election day, students will need to think about who they stand for. Perhaps you’ll make your decision based on your views on Brexit, climate change or the current economic & political climate. Maybe you don’t really care about the election, but this is one of the few instances where those under 18 years of age can make their voices heard.
Will Bell, Y11
https://voteforpolicies.org.uk/
https://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com/
Why are we having a school election?
‘I think it is really important that young people have a voice as the decisions made by our government and our politicians will affect your age group the most. The College election is a great opportunity to find out what the different political parties stand for, what changes they plan to make and how these changes may affect young people.
Why is it important that young people take part in politics?
Understanding politics helps us to understand the world around us. It can give us an insight into how decisions are made. Taking part in politics allows your opinions to be heard.
How is the election going to work and how will we take part?
In the run up to the election there will be a Heathfield Hustings event. All the candidates who are running for the constituency of Bexhill and Battle have been invited to take part and I can confirm that the candidates for the Conservative Party, Green Party, Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party will be taking part in the Hustings event on Friday 6th December.
On the day of the election, Thursday 12th December, all students will be taking part in the vote and will briefly leave lessons during the day to do this. A senior teacher will let their teacher know when their turn is to vote in the College election.
Once the election is over, how will you keep students interested in politics?
Every Thursday lunchtime (in Hut 3) there is the Debating Society which is a fantastic opportunity to discuss and debate current events.
Are we expecting a difference in results from the last election in 2017?
Mock elections at Heathfield Community College have in the past led to very close results, for example in the last election the gap between 1st and 2nd place was just 3 votes! I think it is too early to predict the result of the College election and the General election as there is still a lot of time for things to change before election day.
As we edge closer to election day, students will need to think about who they stand for. Perhaps you’ll make your decision based on your views on Brexit, climate change or the current economic & political climate. Maybe you don’t really care about the election, but this is one of the few instances where those under 18 years of age can make their voices heard.
Will Bell, Y11
https://voteforpolicies.org.uk/
https://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com/