Students Elected in Record Turn-out
Posted on Friday 10 February 2006
Seventeen year old Nick Coxon, of Southwood, has been elected to the prestigious role of Student Pre
Seventeen year old Nick Coxon, of Southwood, has been elected to the prestigious role of Student President at Farnborough Sixth Form College. He will lead an 11-strong committee of students which plays a significant role in the development of the Beacon College, recognised as one of the country's leading sixth form colleges.
Nick said, "It's a fantastic feeling to be elected President of such an excellent student body as we have at Farnborough Sixth Form College. I look forward to a year of even more success in the next year". Nick, who is studying History, Economics, French, Mathematics and English at AS level at the College, will be one of seven Farborough Sixth Form College students representing the United Kingdom at the Future World Leaders' Summit Conference in Washington DC in the summer. Nick added, "This unique summit will enable me to better undertake my responsibilities as President!"
Nick's Vice President is Scott Hooker, 16, of Farnborough, who is studying History, Law, Computing and Government and Politics. A former student of Cove School, Scott sees his role as supporting the President and the rest of the committee. He said, "I am really delighted to have been elected".
The new secretary is 17 year old former Ash Manor student, Esther Odeleye from Ash, studying Chemistry, Psychology, Biology and Physical Education. Esther said, "Last year my brother was Vice President and he encouraged me to stand for election - I am really pleased to follow in his footsteps".
The post of Teaching and Learning Officer is filled by 16 year old Vincent Quan of Farnborough. Vincent is studying Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Critical Thinking and formerly attended Oak Farm School. He will also serve on the Governors' Curriculum and Quality Committee. He said, "I think it is really important for the student committee to be involved in teaching and learning issues. I hope to be able to provide advice on how new students can settle in to the different styles of teaching at the College and also help bring any concerns to the attention of teachers".
The narrowest victory was in the seven-cornered contest for Events officer which was won by 16 year old Abi Needham from Sandhurst, formerly of Hawley Place School. She polled 314 votes, just one more than her closest rival with 313 votes. They were narrowly ahead of two other candidates polling 299 and 296 votes. An elated Abi said, "It was really exciting at the declaration - I couldn't believe I'd won by one vote in over 2000!"
Speaking after the election, College Principal, Dr John Guy, said, "Everybody took a lively interest in the elections and 2167 students voted, a massive 85% turn-out. The voting was very close but recounts were not necessary because it was all done electronically on the College computer system".
Dr Guy added, "This represents the modern face of democracy, which I am delighted to say, is alive and well among the young people studying in the College".
