Scottish Independence Vote - Cedar Class

This week pupils at Broadford Primary School have been looking closely at the Scottish Independence referendum as part of the topic about the United Kingdom. In order to get a better understanding of all the issues, the Year 2 pupils have been watching Newsround, listening to the news and reading their pupil newspaper. It has led to lots of interesting thoughts and questions.

"I don't think that they should leave, because it means we might have to compete against them at the next Olympics. They have Andy Murray and he won us a gold medal last time!" Finley Livingstone aged 6

"We would like to go on holiday to Scotland, but if they become independent we might have to get passports to go there." Cruz Carey aged 6

"I think it would be quite exciting as there would be a new flag, new money and a new leader." Brooke Atkinson aged 6

"If they vote yes, does that mean a huge gate will be put up? I don't think I would like that." Maison Sherriff - aged 6

Having thought about lots of different reasons for and against Scottish independence the pupils organised their own ballot to see what the opinion of Cedar class was. A ballot box was created and children voted Yes or No as a finale to the debates. Results by Friday afternoon were 66% of Cedar Class said No it should stay within the UK with the remaining 34% agreeing it should be its own country. Following on from their first Geography lessons, where they secured knowledge their knowledge of the countries of the UK, their capital cities and famous landmarks this was a great, topical way to explore the challenges of living in a Kingdom made from many different parts.

"It has been great to hear our pupils - who are only aged 6 & 7 - discussing some quite complicated issues with real insight. I hadn't thought about losing Andy Murray as a national asset. Who would we have to win Wimbledon if Scotland became independent? Although it is a question for the Scottish, the excitement that the ballot box caused and the passion of the debate showed that our Harold Hill children care very much indeed about the future of our country." Mrs Gemma Foulser - class teacher.