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Posted on November 29th 2019
Lively election hustings event at HASJW
Sixth form students at Harris Academy St John’s Wood gave Westminster North parliamentary candidates a grilling as they campaigned for December’s general election.
As part of the Academy’s broad and enriching curriculum, over 300 students voluntarily attended this vibrant event. They were joined by:
- Karen Buck – Labour
- Gabriela Palacios – Christian People’s Alliance
- George Lee – Liberal Democrats
- Jamie Macfarlane – Conservative
- Cyrus Parvin – Brexit Party
Students asked a range of questions about matters close to their heart, including knife crime, the NHS, Brexit, votes at 16 and tuition fees. The candidates also shared individual stump speeches. The debate was lively, engaging and enjoyed by all those that attended. Candidates promoted their own positions as well as challenging those of their competitors. Some students stayed behind to discuss further issues with the candidates.
Graeme Smith, Principal commented “our students really enjoyed the chance to hear from our local candidates and give their own views. Several of our young people are now able to vote and we hope this event gave them the opportunity to reflect on and form their own opinions, as well as encouraging those who are not yet able to vote to think about how they might engage. At a time when young people sometimes have a reputation for cynicism, this event was heartening.”
Liz English, Head of Sixth form also noted “we have a rich programme for our sixth form students. This event is an example of the many activities we have outside our core curriculum to develop our students as citizens. I am proud of the excellent contribution they made to the debate.”
Thanks go the all the candidates for their time, as well as Assistant Principal, Mr Snell for his skills as compere.
Attached is a photo of the candidates, with the sixth form leadership team, Miss English (Head of Sixth Form), Mr Snell (Assistant Principal), Mr Soar (Executive Principal).
