The students at Q3 Academy, Great Barr have been busy learning all about the democratic process and the recent general election. Students attended a week of assemblies where they learned the ins and outs of what happens during an election. The students then held a mock election on Thursday 7 May to coincide with the general and local elections country-wide. They were asked to choose between the major five parties; Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green Party.
 
With an 80% turnout the students voted Labour as the winning party much reflecting the West Bromwich East constituency the academy is in. On Friday the students were visited by Councillor Simon Hackett who offered an insight into his experience of the election. He answered many varied questions from the students about the election result and the democratic process.
 
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "A large number of people still don't vote so whatever party you support, it's important you go out to vote at future elections.  "We want young people to get into the habit of going out to vote and this was a great example of encouraging that from an early age.

"I was very impressed with the students from Q3 Academy. It's great to know that from an early age young people are engaged with politics. “I feel it's really important to get young people involved in politics, after all, they'll be the people who vote in the future. "The academy have done a fantastic job in the run up to the elections with a range of activities including a daily assembly and tutor activities on politics.
 
"Maybe we have some young politicians in the making at Q3 Academy."