Should
Scotland be an independent country? It is the most fundamental question ever asked
in Scottish history. So as the people of Scotland went to the polls on Thursday
18 September it seemed only right that pupils at Oundle School, around 40 of
whom come from Scotland, should do so too.
Lower
Sixth former, Rupert Warre (16) commented, “To
the surprise of many as they walked into the Cloisters at break time they were
greeted with a mock referendum. With three polling stations located around the
Cloisters and a Speakers’ Corner, Oundle was thrown into the world of Scottish
politics.”
Oundle’s
Head of Politics, Matt King, opened the referendum with a short introduction
while a member of the School’s bagpipe ensemble, Freddie Woodd (15) played a
warm welcome. For the ‘YES’ side, pupils Ruaraidh Richardson (17) and Ed Willey
(17) gave their reasons for Scotland becoming independent. Then, preceded by a
verse of the National Anthem, played by Ian Ostojic (16) on the trumpet, the
‘NO’ side, pupils Morgan Ball (17) and Rupert Warre (17), put forward arguments
for Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom.
After
hearing the arguments, pupils and staff of Oundle headed to the polls. The
result? A 67% win for the ‘NO’ campaign.
Head of Politics, Matt King commented, "Having an Oundle version of the
Scottish referendum ensured that all pupils were aware of what was happening
and the importance of the constitutional consequences.
I think the Oundle results were as we expected, with the majority
of pupils and staff deciding it was best to keep the Union together. Turnout
was a little larger in the main event and the result a little closer, but, we
reached the same conclusions!"