Tories Claim Key Seat

The general election has sparked a flurry of politically-themed activity amongst the Shiplake cohort. Students recently held a Shiplake ‘Question Time’; against a turbulent political backdrop, the opportunity was taken to invite local party candidates from the surrounding areas to visit the school, participating in a event that followed a similar layout to the popular television show. Responses to pressing social issues, such as the possible privatisation of the NHS, deflation in the UK, and the budget deficit, were argued before an audience of students from Shiplake, Queen Anne’s School and The Piggott C of E School.

Following on from this, Head of College Yeem Chanthanawan organised a mock election to take place on the same day as the general election – Thursday 7 May - for the entire Shiplake College community, including staff and pupils. The OVR was set up as a polling station, with students on hand to take down the names of people voting and direct them to a voting booth. Great care had been taken to furnish the partitions with documents describing the main issues at hand, including state welfare, tax and international aid. Once votes had been cast, they were folded and deposited into a ballot box- a perfect replica of one found at an actual polling station. The room had been set up with the utmost attention to give the impression of a real polling station, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to see how voting in general and local elections is arranged.

Students arrived in their masses to cast their vote, choosing between Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, UK Independence Party, and the Green Party. Staff also arrived by the dozen, keen to add their vote to the pot. Upon arrival, voters were given a ballot paper. The results were split down to show not only the overall result, but also the voting patterns in each House and amongst the staff. These were published to the whole school the following morning. Mirroring the general election, the results confirmed that the Conservative party received a landslide victory across the board. Winning overall, their nearest rivals were UKIP, although they received less than a quarter of the votes won by the Conservatives. There was a fantastic turnout, with more than 70% of the College population attending to register their vote. Burr House had the highest turnout, with 87% of their house members attending the event. They were closely followed by Everett, with 85% turnout, and Orchard House, with 83%.

The event proved very successful and useful for all students, giving each and every one the opportunity to get involved in politics and experience the buzz of a real election.

For a full breakdown of the mock election results, please click here.  

For more photos from the event, please click here.