The general election has dominated the media and public’s consciousness since its announcement a number of weeks ago. And it is not just on the front page of newspapers that the politics, and the results of the voting, have been making waves. Shiplake’s own student body has had a taste of the election, with Head of Economics Mr Darius Bluck having created a mock polling station, for pupils to cast their own votes.
Set up on Thursday 8 June, the polling station in the OVR resembled an official polling station, with Sixth Form pupils manning the registration desks, and private voting booths set up. Every member of the College community, staff and pupils, had the opportunity to cast their vote. Mr Bluck furnished the voting booths with information on the main parties’ policies, in particular looking at healthcare, immigration and education. Once votes had been cast, they were folded and deposited into a ballot box, to await a count once the polls had closed.
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Students arrived in their masses to have their say, choosing between Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, UK Independence Part and the Green Party. Staff were also well-represented, with a number of support and teaching staff taking the opportunity to vote. There was 67% turnout, with Conservatives taking a storming lead with over 160 votes. In total opposition to the inconclusive results of the general election, there was a clear majority amongst the Shiplake College voters. The next closest party was the Green party, who were over 100 points behind, showing just the landslide win it was. Welsh had the highest turnout, with 86% of pupils attending. Lower School were a close second, with 80% of pupils making their votes. Mr Bluck commented: ‘this is a fantastic way for pupils to get to grips with voting and see what the set-up of a polling station is. Understanding politics and getting a grip on the key policies of each party is vital for young people, and this is great way of getting those who are too young to vote interested in politics.’
For a full breakdown of the mock election results, click here.
