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Politics

Politics is eternally dynamic and immeasurably important.

We want our boys to leave School with a sharp awareness of that reality.
 
With this in mind, the Politics department does not just cater for those studying Politics within the Sixth Form curriculum. Through its co-curricular programme, it also offers political education for all boys at the School. Lunchtime societies exist throughout MGS, from the Junior School Politics Society to the Sixth Form Political Discussion Group, and operate on the principle that every issue is open to debate – be it immigration, racism, gay marriage or the State of Israel. MGS is no place for closed minds; and we insist this maxim applies to politics.
 
Sometimes, these societies feature former pupils now involved in the political process, including MPs, parliamentary candidates and journalists (including OM Michael Crick, Political Editor for Channel Four News). On occasion, there are also after-school debates, involving a panel of MPs or MEPs. Inspired by their example, and by our annual visits to Westminster, we hope that students will aim to follow in their footsteps.
 
Because our boys are affected by UK politics, we want them to feel directly involved in it as well. So whenever the nation chooses its government, there is a ‘mock’ general election here at MGS, with all students having a vote. If there is a historic referendum, boys get chance to record their own verdict. And, whenever these all-school ballots occur, the campaigns are driven by our students; the debates are chaired by our students; the polling is supervised by our students; and the results announced, by our students, to a somewhat boisterous student gathering.
 
By the time they leave us, MGS boys may not be starry-eyed about the UK’s political system. But we aim to ensure they at least understand it - and that a fair few wish to shape it.