There was a real buzz at Highfields last week for the Youth MP elections. Polling booths, ballot papers and candidate statements were delivered to the school for students to take part in the local election.
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) provides opportunities young people in their local area to make a difference to issues that matter to them. The UKYP promote the importance of young people’s voices, and aims to create opportunities for children and young people to be their best. This year, over 30 young people applied to stand as Youth MP in Wolverhampton, including our very own Maya Patel in Year 8!
Students were shown videos in Form Time time to explain the ‘Make Your Mark ballot’, before listening to the Youth MP Candidates’ videos. The candidates’ full statements could then be read on the Youth Parliament webpage.
Mrs Hartshorne, Head of Citizenship, said ‘It is really important for students to engage with the process from a young age in order that they might become responsible and thoughtful voters.’
Mrs Hartshorne continued, ‘Students were fully engaged in discussions on who was best to represent them in the youth council. They thought carefully before selecting their candidates as they understood the difficulty in choosing a person to represent them when they hold a position of power.'
'The event created excellent discussion on how we vote in the UK and when students are able themselves to vote in local and general elections. It is a really effective and immersive way for students to understand how democracy works and how important it is to have a voice and agency in the democratic process.’
