On Friday 23rd April 2010, Oasis Academy Wintringham was proud to host the second live Question Time style debate for the parliamentary candidates for Grimsby and the event did not disappoint.
All three Major Political Parties were represented, with existing MP for Grimsby and Labour Candidate seeking re-election Austin Mitchell, Conservative candidate Victoria Ayling and Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew De Freitas all present. The candidates were grilled not only by pupils from Oasis Acadamy Wintringham, but also from Woodlands Primary School, Nunsthorpe Community College, Lisle Marsden Primary School and representatives of the Council for Young People.
All questions for the debate were provided by pupils in attendance which had been pre-prepared in PSHCE and Humanities lessons. Students had produced many questions on topics important to them based on both local and national issues and these were discussed throughout the hour long session. These topics included Youth Engagement, help for families on minimum wage and benefits, and assistance for new business owners and young entrepreneurs.
The lively debate was attended by Oasis Academy Wintringham Principal Jane Bowman, and was expertly chaired by Callam Stanland, a member of the Council for Young People and current Oasis Academy Wintringham student. Callum later stated “The event was a really good way for increasing democracy and youth engagement”.
Students from all years attended this event and later commented on how much they had learnt and how interesting it was. Further lessons are planned on the election to take advantage of this great opportunity the Academy received.
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