Politics 'top of the agenda' for students

It’s been a hectic few weeks for the college’s AS and A Level Government and Politics students.

Firstly, they were invited to take part in BBC Wales’ Ask The Leader live televised debates, held in advance of the forthcoming National Assembly for Wales elections on 5 May.

College students participated in two debates on two consecutive nights, both held at the National Waterfront Museum. The first night involved audience questions for Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies, the second saw questions for Welsh UKIP leader Nathan Gill. As audience members, the students engaged fully with the live programme, making vocal contributions and asking searching questions that prompted detailed responses from the leaders on issues such as the Port Talbot Tata steel crisis, UKIP’s climate change policy, university tuition fees and local government.

“Once again, our students proved themselves to be a stern test for the politicians, confidently putting them on the spot over a number of issues and proving how young people genuinely do care about the politics and decisions that affect their everyday lives,” says Curriculum Leader Scott Evans.

Our students also received much warm praise from the BBC for their high quality input into the programmes.

"We really enjoyed having the students from Gower College Swansea at our Ask the Leader debates in Swansea,” says Election Audience Researcher, Eben Leonard. “Their enthusiasm and involvement in the programmes ensured we had two great debates at the National Waterfront Museum. Thanks to all those who put the politicians Andrew RT Davies and Nathan Gill on the spot and to Scott Evans for organising the group. We hope they enjoyed seeing how live programmes are put together and meeting presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts, who led balanced and lively debates."

Secondly, the students organised a Political Awareness Event at Gorseinon on 14 April which was attended by representatives from most of the main political parties including Bethan Jenkins (Plaid), Lisa Rapado (Green Party) and Nia Griffiths (Shadow Secretary of State for Wales).

This was a lively and well-attended event which encouraged students to a) register to vote and b) put questions to the politicians about the issues that most matter to them. High on the agenda of course was tuition fees – but other popular topics included the environment and the future of the NHS.

Photos: Nikkila Thomas