Bosworth Academy believes it is vital to engage young people in politics and the political process. This is ever more vital when there is a possibility that the voting age may be reduced and conceivably all our students will be eligible to vote in the 2020 General Election. Similarly, a lack of political understanding, and sophistication leads young people to be naively swayed by simplistic, easily understandable yet extremist philosophies; it is our responsibility to fight extremism of all persuasions wherever it exists. At the same time, we have a responsibility to do this without showing party political bias and recognising our societies deeply held values of democracy and free speech.
In the last few weeks we have had visits from Chris Keely, the Labour party candidate for Hinckley and Bosworth, and David Tredennick who is our sitting conservative MP and seeking re-election. They were both impressed by our desire to inspire young people with politics, and supportive of our approach.
Over the coming weeks we will be running filmed student hustings and talking to our young people in assembly and tutor time about the political process. We will be seeking students’ views in a controlled and responsible way on the key issues which will affect them as they move through education and the adult world.