Mock EU Referendum
In a Mock EU Referendum at Cirencester Deer Park School our pupils and staff voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union.
The country went to the polls on Thursday 23 June to answer the important question that will have a huge impact on the world in which our children will grow up - Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union? Pupils and staff at Deer Park were also able to make their mark in school with a Mock EU Referendum. Pupils have been following specially designed lessons in their Citizenship lessons to encourage them to think about the benefits of being in the EU and the possible advantages of leaving. Read more...
I have been very impressed by the way in which our pupils responded to our mock EU referendum. They have engaged constructively in debate and many have shown themselves to be European in their outlook. Like The Cotswolds, Cheltenham and Stroud, our pupils voted to remain in the EU. While different to the national outcome, the opportunity to participate in a simulation of this kind has helped our pupils understand the democracy in which we live, exercise their right to vote and become responsible citizens. Furthermore, we are committed to developing their resilience to ensure they can thrive in an uncertain and changing future.
Chiquita Henson, Headteacher
Our school community voted 68% to Remain and 32% to Leave but voters nationally produced a different result and the full implications of this very significant decision to leave the EU will take some time to become clear. You can find out more on BBC News - EU Referendum.
Pupil view on the LEAVE CAMPAIGN
As a 15 year old with a relatively sharp mind, reasonable future prospects and high aspirations, one might say that the world is my oyster. That being said, how can the world be my oyster when I am living under the constraints of the EU; when the way that I should lead my life is being dictated to me?
I believe that Britain truly is great and we don't need 27 other countries to hold our hand whilst we make the smallest of decisions... I simply believe I am patriotic. When voting, consider if it was the other way around. If we were voting on whether to join the EU. Would you want to join or leave?
Pupil view on the REMAIN CAMPAIGN
The EU has helped secure peace among previously warring western European nations. It helped to consolidate democracy in Spain, Portugal, Greece and former Soviet bloc countries and helped preserve peace in the Balkans since the end of the Balkans War. With the UN it now plays a leading role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and democracy building.
The EU negotiates trade agreements with the rest of the world. Outside the EU Britain would have to renegotiate trade deals alone. While the EU is the world’s largest market, a UK outside the EU would not be a high priority for other counties to negotiate a trade deal.