As part of the Sixth Form’s Extension Studies Programme, The Maynard Sixth Formers were paid a visit from the three party political candidates for Exeter on 26 February.
The Labour Party was represented by our current MP, Ben Bradshaw, who managed to fit us into his busy schedule as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. They also heard from Hannah Foster for the Conservative Party and Graham Oakes for the Liberal Democrats.
The candidates each had ten minutes to explain what their parties stood for and their plans for the country and more locally in Exeter. This was then opened up to the floor where girls asked questions on a range of topics, but not surprisingly focused on Higher Education funding and tuition fees.
Tara Folland (U6) said “I found the political speeches made in ESP extremely informative and useful for outlining the specific parties’ policies. The subsequent debate was particularly interesting as the politicians were answering our individual, sometimes challenging, queries. It was a good experience as an introduction to politics and I know that a lot of my friends are now looking forward to voting this year!”
