During UK Parliament Week 2023, the Politics Department held a Democracy Week. Each day took a theme from the definition of democracy, and academic representatives from the Politics, History, Law, Latin and Greek Departments organised activities to suit all ages.
Monday’s theme was political participation:
The fact that a group of students interrupted my assembly to protest about the school’s scarf policy was indicative of the participation we experienced. The Principal did not seem to mind being covered with (ethical) confetti. At break, students wrote their own petitions and the one with the most signatures was sent to the Principal for her consideration. After school, MUN and Debate Society combined to debate the motion, ‘this House believes world problems are more effectively solved at state level rather than at the UN.’ Students participated in speech writing and consolidated their knowledge of the British Parliamentary debate format. That evening, SFC joined a live stream comedy event, with a discussion of current issues by John Crace and Ian Hislop
Tuesday’s theme was direct democracy:
Latin and Greek students taught us how to vote the Athenian way, using different coloured stones. There was also some drift into the equality theme of Wednesday with a showing of the Barbie movie and a discussion of its feminist message.
Wednesday continued to consider equality and toleration:
A quiz was held at breaktime and a debate was organised by Hipo Soc (History and Politics Society) evaluating the UK’s democratic credentials.
Thursday was dominated by the rule of law:
A ‘what is a crime?’ quiz at break was well attended and the mock trial after school took us through the prosecution of a dangerous driver, ably guided by a supportive parent-barrister. Thursday was also an opportunity to give a taste of representative democracy. Four candidates, representing the Conservatives, Greens, Labour and Liberal Democrats gave impassioned speeches and spent the day campaigning. This was impressive given they had no choice of party and were able to advocate for views they did not necessarily believe in.
The mock election was held on Friday as part of the theme of representative democracy:
Campaigning was suspended while the polls were open and students took part in a ‘cutest pet at a polling station’ competition. In the evening, students attended an award winning documentary film about events in Egypt during the Arab Spring.
The week achieved its aim of increasing political education while engaging students in political action and debate, giving an insight into the free exchange of ideas which underpins democracy.
Miss Burston, Teacher in Charge of Politics
