Students debate referendum
STUDENTS at a Market Bosworth school are preparing for an EU showdown today in advance of tomorrow’s national referendum on whether Britain should remain in or leave the European Union.
Pupils at the Dixie Grammar School, most of whom are too young to vote in the national ballot, will be making their voices heard in a school poll, also to be held on Thursday.
Their minds may be made up or changed by today’s debate, led by two teams of sixth formers who have been running poster campaigns in preparation for the debate between those who think Britain should stay and those pressing to leave.
Year 8 pupils who will be on a school trip on Thursday have completed the equivalent of postal votes, which had already been counted and show a tie in opinions.
The final result at the Dixie is expected to be similarly close.
Head boy, lower sixth student Christian Smaditch, said: “We have passionate EU supporters and equally passionate Brexiteers.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to air our views and to try and persuade others. “After all, it’s our future!” Teacher Jon Dixon said: “Those who are under 18 don’t get to vote in the real referendum - but whether we vote in or out on June 23 will undoubtedly have a profound effect on the lives of young people.
“Our school referendum is an opportunity to engage pupils in the issues that we are all grappling with.”