Summer Term newsletter

The John Fisher Mock Election 2017
On 8th June when the country went to the polls the students of The
John Fisher School also expressed their views in a mock election. In
the lead up to the vote students were shown simplified versions of the
manifestos of each of the five main parties. During form time these
manifestos were discussed and I have been told that some of the
conversations were very lively yet tolerant in nature. This taught the
students that, tolerance is integral to British Values and that we can
disagree on issues and still work and socialise together.
In addition to the discussions that took
place in form time other subjects also
contributed students understanding of
the election and how democracy works in
the UK. In history students were taught
about how the franchise increased from
1900 to today and then specifically what
women had to do to get political equality
and the right to vote. This helped students understand the British
Value of democracy through understanding that their vote matters
and they have a responsibility. In geography the students were taught
about the economic and social effects of immigration on Britain. This
helped the students understand the British Value of accepting other
people’s beliefs and values within the context of the rule of law. In
economics the students discussed the different economic implications
of the various manifestos. These were then discussed in groups and
the students commented on the economic viability of each. This ties
in with the students understanding that their opinions can shape the
democratic process.
Five Year 12 students volunteered to
represent each of the five main parties in
England. This in particular was impressive
because some of the students definitely
did not support the parties they were
representing! Each student made speeches
to each of the year groups and this not
only helped them develop their public speaking skills but also helped
the students in the audience understand the key issues. They also took
part in a ‘Question Time’ type of activity with selected Year 10 students.
Some questions that arose were ‘Why does Theresa May hate elephants
5 Follow us on LinkedIn & on Twitter: @thejfschool @JFSChoir @JohnFisherSport