Last week, students and staff from Hope Academy organized a whole-school EU Referendum; this was one of the biggest democratic exercises undertaken within the Academy since its inception. Each student was given the opportunity to have their say on whether they thought Great Britain should leave or remain within the EU.
Students from the Hope Current Affairs Society led assemblies throughout the week where they presented the ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ arguments. In the lead up to the referendum on Thursday, during form time each morning students reflected on the main points from each campaign and discussed the consequences of both. Each student was given a ballot paper on Thursday morning and given the opportunity to vote. The mock referendum created much interest around the Academy whilst ensuring that students had an active role in the national democratic debate.
To culminate their referendum week, the Hope Academy Current Affairs Society and the Student Council held their own Question Time with Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, and Councillors Jeanie Bell, Gill Neal and Andy Bowden. Conor took questions from a range of students on whether we should remain or leave, the impact this would have in Britain and the impact the EU has had since its inception. The event was a fantastic experience for students and staff alike.
Commenting Conor said:
“It was great to visit Hope Academy and take part in their Question Time. The questions from students were insightful and challenging. The school is doing some great work in encouraging young people to engage with politics. I hope the students found the day informative and interesting, and I hope good work being done by the Current Affairs Society continues.”