Nuneaton MP, Marcus Jones, is urging all local A-level students to take part in a video competition organised by the Political Studies Association and supported by YouGov.
The competition asks students to explore the question: “Fake News: is it the end for facts?” and is open to post-16 students who will be studying during the academic year 2017-18.
Commenting, Marcus Jones said:
“I’d urge all local A-level students to take part in this competition and submit their ideas and videos. Seize the opportunity to examine what fake news is, what effect it may have had (or be having) on politics and what it means for expert opinion and ‘factual’ knowledge.
“Engaging young people in politics is essential for the health of our democracy. Being able to rigorously question information to determine whether it is fake or real is an important life-skill. This is a great opportunity for young people that also allows them to develop new skills and contribute to an important, topical, debate.”
The CEO of the Political Studies Association, Phil Sooben, said:
“The high levels of political engagement displayed by young people during this year’s snap election demonstrates an increased interest in and awareness of current political issues.
“This year’s Political Studies Association (PSA) student video competition on ‘Fake News’ is a unique opportunity for A-level students to add their voice to an important discussion which touches on the PSA’s mission to ensure political debate is conducted with the use of robust evidence and integrity.”
Shortlisted groups will be invited to Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster to discuss the ideas raised in their video with a panel of politicians, journalists and academics. Previous jurors have included Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Victoria Derbyshire.
The winners of the Schools' Short Video Competition will receive their award at the PSA’s Annual Awards Ceremony in Westminster. This year’s ceremony takes place on 5 December in London. On top of this, the winning students get a week’s work experience with the YouGov political team during their school holidays.
“The competition is a great way for students to develop new skills, explore their creativity and get in touch with contemporary political issues. The added training that winning teams get from YouGov - at the heart of political polling and public opinion monitoring - makes this initiative ever more worthwhile,” said Phil Sooben.
Full competition details for 2017 and how to enter are published on the PSA’s website at: www.psa.ac.uk