A LESSON in democracy was on the timetable for hopeful school leaders at Rugby Free Secondary School.
Six candidates for the school’s two Head Student roles received advice from Rugby MP Mark Pawsey after he met with them ahead of their student elections.
He spoke to the students about his experiences of the electoral process after the school asked if he had any advice to give them.
The students asked Mark what his advice was when running an election campaign and discussed what they wanted to achieve if they were elected as a Head Student.
Mr Pawsey said: “I am always pleased to support young people being engaged in politics, and so I was delighted to be able to speak to Rugby Free Secondary School’s prospective Head Students. As I know from experience, running in any election is a challenge, but is also greatly rewarding and the cornerstone of our democracy.
“All of the students I met with had some really great ideas for what they would do as a Head Student and their enthusiasm for the role, and for holding an election for these positions, was very clear.
“It is always very encouraging to see young people wanting to take part in the political process and to be able to pass on some of the things which I have learned over many years of campaigning. I wish all the students the best, both in these elections and in the future.”
The school’s Head of Sociology Sophie Hartwell said: “Some of our Year 11 students had the pleasure of meeting Mr Pawsey as part of their campaign process for the Head Student Elections.
“Students shared their visions with him and listened to his advice about running a successful campaign, implementing some of his ideas before the elections took place the week after. It was extremely beneficial for the students and a brilliant opportunity for them to become engaged in the political process. We hope this is something that can be continued in future.”
The school’s elections are also being supported by Rugby Borough Council, which has loaned polling station equipment such as ballot boxes to help make the elections as realistic as possible.
