Following continued successful progression of the bill through Parliament, we are now turning our attention to ensuring that 16 and 17 year olds are supported, ready and able to use their vote as soon as possible.
Last term, Sixth Form mentors went into Year 7 and 8 tutor groups and delivered sessions on the importance of discussion, dialogue, and debate, asking questions such as what issues affect them, and if you could change one thing regarding policies for young people, what would it be. Both sparked interesting discussions, culminating in over 200 responses!
Following on from last year’s success, we delivered our second KAN workshop to 22 students, focusing on the importance of political education, making democracy work for you, and the issues that affect young people’s lives. The two-hour session involved interactive elements such as moving around the room to show your opinions on statements, learning about Parliament, and teaching hands-on research skills through analysing real government policy papers. Then, preparing policy recommendations to deliver a speech in a mock Parliament. It was incredibly rewarding to see students who clearly have a passion for politics, and we look forward to making next year’s even better!
Back in Sevenoaks, over the next two terms, we will be running two distinct programmes to engage Years 9 to 13 through reflections, active discussions and to help prepare them to be able vote. Firstly, we will be running a voter registration drive, delivering 16th birthday cards to encourage both British and international students to register to vote, with the aim of getting over 90% eligible voter registration throughout our school before the next general election. And for all years, we are running an event, where students rate their opinions on statements released bi-termly, then can view other’s comments live on screens around the school, stimulating debate and discussion.
We believe this will only be the beginning. With a once-in-a-generational expansion of participation in our democracy, we must ensure that all young people are supported, informed, and prepared – because the best way to ensure your opinion is heard is it vote. To stay updated with our latest progress, visit vote16.co.uk and follow @vote16uk on Instagram.
Gabriel and Moyo, Vote16 Service team.
