Education...is it working for you?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8 November 2010

Young people debate education policy with MPs

HeadsUp online forum gives 11-18 year olds a say on their education

15 November - 3 December 2010

www.headsup.org.uk

The next HeadsUp online forum will be Education...is it working for you? The forum is a chance for 11-18 year olds to discuss the coalition's plans for education such as: free schools, changing the national curriculum and the issues around university funding. They will debate with young people up and down the UK as well as decision-makers responsible for education policy.

Damien Hinds, MP for East Hampshire and a member of the Education Select Committee will be debating with young people in the forum. He said:

"What happens in education shapes young people's life chances - not just by giving qualifications, but by its power to enrich and make us rounded citizens.  It is also of course vital for the future of the economy.  We have to ensure everyone gets the education that is right for them and makes the most of their skills and talents, while also enjoying being young!"

The following key themes will be discussed in the forum by young people and relevant politicians:

• Exams and subjects - are exams really getting easier?
• What changes should be made to schools? Do you have enough say in how your school is run? Are free schools a good idea?
• Does your school have the right attitude to bullies? How do you think your school should tackle bullies?
• Life post-16 - are you given enough options? Is there too much pressure to go to university? Should we have more vocational courses?

HeadsUp is an online debating space for 11-18 year-olds, from the Hansard Society, to discuss their views on political issues with their peers and influential decision-makers. It aims to build young people's levels of political awareness and participation so that they can play an effective role in the democratic processes affecting their lives. HeadsUp is also a space politicians can use to consult with young people and find out their ideas, experiences and opinions. The HeadsUp forums are also used as a classroom resource by teachers and youth workers.

Editors' Notes

• HeadsUp (http://www.headsup.org.uk/) is an innovative website where 11-18 year olds debate political issues and learn about the political process. The site is a non-partisan, cross-party educational resource that provides a secure, structured and student-centred discussion platform.
• Two ways to register to participate in HeadsUp:

1. Young People - If you are under 18 and want to get in on the action you need to complete the Student Sign Up Form.
2. Teachers/youth workers - can register a whole class/school year/group by completing our Teachers Registration Form.

• All HeadsUp forums are open to be viewed and the debate followed by the public. Participants need to register or login to post comments (under 18s and supporting teachers/youth workers only).
• The project is part-funded by the House of Commons.
• There are currently 877 schools registered with HeadsUp

For further information contact Beccy Allen, Researcher and Project Manager, Citizenship Education and Digital Democracy  at r.allen@hansard.lse.ac.uk or 020 7438 1222.