Students at Oak Academy, Bournemouth got to vote for one of five sixth formers, representing the main parties, in a mock General Election
Election fever arrived at one Bournemouth secondary school when its under 18s were given the chance to feel part of the General Election.
Although the youngsters of Oak Academy cannot influence for real who the next Prime Minister will be, the school ensured they were engaged in the democratic process through holding its own mock election.
Oak’s junior leadership team – the head boy and girl and their three deputies – took on the mantle of election candidates, each representing one of the mainstream political parties.
Then on General Election day the whole school got to vote for their chosen candidate.
And just like the real election it was one vote per person conducted in secret election booths with ballot boxes.
Principal Richard Burgas, said: “In the 2015 General Election a staggering 57% of 18-24 year olds did not vote.
“At Oak Academy, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills for all aspects of adult life.
“Democracy is at the core of our fundamental British values and we want to enthuse our young people now so they want to vote in future elections.”
In the run-up to the election, the candidates spent their tutor sessions researching the party manifestos and creating election literature.
They then canvassed and campaigned in the school so all the students could learn more about what they were standing for.
The election itself was organised and run by the junior leadership team and volunteers from the sixth form.
Every student was given the chance to vote as did members of staff.
And like the rest of the UK, Oak’s children will wake up tomorrow to find out who won the election when the results will be announced.
Oak’s Executive Principal, Paul Holman said: “This mock election has been a fantastically successful event.
“It has been wonderful to see our students so engaged in current issues that affect their lives now and will continue to affect them when they become old enough to vote for real.”
ENDS
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