Our Referendum Lesson!

Posing in front of our presentation

The EU referendum is right around the corner and there is so much information we want to share and what a better audience to share our knowledge with than a class of Year 8’s.

 “AHHHH” we exclaimed to them as we urged how close the referendum was nearing us. 21^st June 2016 (DAY OF DOOM!)

What a time to be alive! We have the opportunity to witness Britain come together as one and support their Prime Minister or watch Britain collapse and slowly crumble.

Britain has been a member of the EU for 43 years and within those years Britain had gained many social, economic, environmental etc. benefits and we hope it continuous to enjoy these benefits after the referendum with a ‘IN’ vote (fingers crossed) Though we understand that there can also be some negative aspects in being part of the EU, we just needed to address the pros and the cons to the Year 8 students.

EU Flag

So what were the reasons to stay? Well aren’t they obvious?

We trade so much with the EU. Many of our goods come from overseas, mostly from EU countries because the UK finds it easier to trade with other EU countries. UK also enjoys free trade.

In addition, by staying in the EU, we enjoy a clean environment. Through commonly agreed EU standards, national Governments have achieved improvements to the quality of air, rivers and beaches. Good for Britain and good for Britons holidaying or living abroad!

But one main factor we also have to include is equality. Equal pay for men and women is enshrined in EU law, as are bans on discrimination by age, race or sexual orientation. This benefits Britain and British people who live in other EU countries.

So many more benefits including jobs, a sense of community and free movement are also included in the package – but, of course we mustn’t look at the topic through one view point because there are ultimately some opposing arguments.

 

 Firstly, it’s unclear who has more power, Parliament or the European Union? European Commission, who are an unelected body, are in charge of law making and laws are binding in all countries. This can be seen as unfair and undemocratic. 

Not only that, but Britain has to pay £17.4bn for its membership in the EU. This money instead could be used in the UK for more beneficial things e.g. the NHS or the public sector.

And of course, immigration. Immigration is said to be out of control in the UK and there needs to be more control.

Mohima and Amreen leading a section of the lesson

We used all the information we know and through our research on the EU to inform these year 8 students about the impact (good and bad) the referendum will have on us and the country. Though they’re not voting themselves, we urged to them that they are also a very crucial part in the process as through what they’ve learnt they can change opinions and perceptions.

Overall, it was wonderful teaching the students and really understanding how much children of their age understand politics and the events around them. We had many open discussions and group discussions which really had them thinking.

Mohima having a discussion with some of the students