Culture, Media & the Arts

Is it difficult to be a man?

28th March - 04th April 2025

Adolescence has been at the forefront of the national conversation recently, even sparking a discussion in Parliament around its themes of male violence and toxic masculinity. As young people are at the heart of the topic, we wanted to give them an opportunity to contribute to the discourse by sharing their thoughts and experiences. The lessons took a closer look at what it means to be a young man and to what extent this has changed over time. Our report details the breakdown of their votes and some of the main reasons they gave for their responses.

Could a year of culture improve where you live?

09th - 16th January 2025

Bradford, the UK’s 2025 City of Culture was the focus of our 17th VoteTopic. We asked young people to consider the potential benefits to themselves and their communities if they had exposure to an organised year of culture. They discussed whether being named the City of Culture could prompt us all to take up a new creative hobby or get more involved in our local communities.

Was false information to blame for the summer riots?

30th August - 06th September 2024

After the UK experienced a slew of anti-immigration and far-right riots following the attack in Southport on the 29th July, we created a set of lessons that considered what role false information had to play.

Do tourists need to think about local communities when they travel?

03rd - 10th May 2024

With May half term and the summer break on the horizon, voters discussed the responsibilities we have as visitors when we travel to new places.

Should artefacts be returned to where they were taken from?

15th - 22nd September 2023

For this VoteTopic, voters mused about where historical and cultural objects belong, in light of the ongoing debate around the repatriation of artefacts to different nations and peoples from museums in the UK and worldwide.

Should there be more rules at live shows?

07th - 14th July 2023

For this VoteTopic, voters put audience etiquette in the spotlight. They reflected on the way people behave at live shows, and considered the impact that rules could have on others in the audience and the performers themselves.

Are you interested in Harry and Meghan?

20th - 27th January 2023

There is daily intrigue into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. With regular news reports on their activities, a Spotify podcast by the Duchess, a memoir from Prince Harry entitled ‘Spare’ and a Netflix documentary of their experience in the Royal Family, many people in the UK have formed an opinion on the couple. Our voters considered their own thoughts on Harry and Meghan and discussed the impact of their frequent media coverage.

Do seasonal traditions stop us trying new things?

30th December 2022 - 06th January 2023

As students returned to schools following the winter break, our voters considered how inflexible the traditions attached to the winter and subsequent New Year holidays are. They explored the purpose of traditions, what they provide to society and their relationship to change. With this information, they decided whether traditions are important to keep or if they prevent us from having more varied experiences.

Is it time for the BBC to be switched off?

14th - 21st October 2022

As its Centenary celebrations approach, our voters explored the BBC’s memorable history and its mission to act impartially and in the public interest. They considered how far the BBC has achieved this aim and whether the license fee expectations are justifiable for each household.

Will the future feel different to the second Elizabethan era?

16th - 23rd September 2022

Following the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our voters explored her significant 70 years on the throne and what possible changes the future may hold as His Majesty King Charles III begins his reign. They considered how smaller adjustments may impact our daily lives, such as changes to stamps and the national anthem as well as larger societal shifts.

Will the Lionesses' win create long-lasting change?

02nd – 09th September 2022
To mark the Lionesses’ victory in the European football championship this July, our pupils explored the history of women’s football and its ongoing fight for equal recognition. They considered the increase in media coverage and support for the Lionesses’ during Euros 2022 and the potential impact this could have on the future for gender equality.