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Material for Section A
Background
At Columbio College, every class elects a class representative at the start of the academic year. Then,
for that year, these class representatives attend monthly council meetings to put forward their classmates’
suggestions or concerns about any aspect of college life. The morning after the council meeting, they
report back to their classmates the details of what was discussed and the resulting decisions made by
the council.
Election process
During the first week of term, up to three students in each class can put themselves forward for election
by producing a leaflet explaining why they should be elected. In addition, each candidate must face a
15-minute question-and-answer session with their classmates.
During the second week of term, a ballot box for each class is placed in the college reception so students
can cast their votes.
The following Monday, each class teacher counts up the votes and announces to their class the name
of the student elected, who then attends the first council meeting of the year that afternoon.
Mr Beppe’s Year 13 class (final-year students)
Only two students in Mr Beppe’s class have decided to put themselves forward: Elisavetta and Armando.
Mr Beppe tried to persuade Olivia to put herself forward too, but she refused emphatically.
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Extracts from the leaflets
Elisavetta
Hi Everyone!
Well, I’ve made it to the final year at Columbio. Yay!
And a million thanks to Brianna for being a brilliant
class representative last year. What a girl, that
Brianna! So you’re probably thinking, what’s this girl
got that would make me vote for her? Three great
reasons!
You’ve known me for years. I’ve never let any of
you down when it comes to getting things done.
You know I’m not afraid to speak up or call out
things if something’s unfair. I’m not afraid of
anyone.
You all know that you can come to me anytime,
anyplace, and I’ll take the time to listen to you.
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Armando
A message to my classmates:
I am standing for election as I would regard it as an
honour and a privilege to represent you. I would carry
out all the duties to the best of my ability. I feel I
have the necessary credentials for you to be confident
enough to vote for me.
Firstly, I have been a member of the Debating
Society for three years, so I am exceptional at
winning arguments.
Secondly, as a contributor to the college
newspaper, I am used to working fast to provide
articles to tight publishing deadlines.
Thirdly, I have an excellent attendance record, so
you have my guarantee that I shall be at all the
meetings to represent you.
Extracts from the question-and-answer sessions
Elisavetta’s session
Classmate 1: What do you think about the punishment system here? I don’t think it’s fair.
Elisavetta: (confidently) Yeah, really agree with you. We do need to change it, don’t we?
(a minute’s silence, during which Elisavetta looks uncomfortable)
Classmate 1: And how do you suggest doing that? What would you say at the council meeting?
Elisavetta: (looking unsure) Well, haven’t thought about that … but … (suddenly regaining confidence)
thinking about it now, let’s get rid of all punishments. Don’t think they do any good. (looking happy with
herself)
Classmate 2: (looking surprised) You believe that students should be allowed to do anything, then?
Elisavetta: (uncomfortable again) Er … well …
Armando’s session
Classmate 1: What do you think about the college’s system of punishments? It’s unfair, I think.
Armando: (seriously) I see what you mean as we do have a long list of punishments. I do feel some are
necessary for the well-being and smooth running of the whole college, but I can see a case for some
petty ones to be abolished. Have you got any particular ones in mind?
Classmate 1: (gratefully) Yes, I think it’s silly we’re punished for being a minute late to lessons when
corridors are packed and your next lesson might be the other side of college.
Classmate 2: (looking pleased) Agreed – that rule needs getting rid of immediately.
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Additional Information
1. Council meetings are held every month on Monday after lessons finish.
2. Elisavetta once found a classmate in tears, but told the girl that she was too busy to stop and talk.
3. Mrs Eriksson, Deputy Principal, attends every council meeting to ensure students follow the rules
when discussing matters and voting on resolutions.
4. One of the class representatives takes notes at the meeting, then publishes them within 48 hours
for the whole college.
5. During his time in the Debating Society, Armando has been on the winning side 35 per cent of the
time.
6. In exceptional circumstances, a class teacher can overturn an election result.
7. Olivia is hoping to achieve top grades in both her ballet and piano examinations this year.
8. Armando and Brianna have been good friends for years.
9. Elisavetta realised recently that she had not taken part in any extracurricular activities to write about
on any university application form.
10. If any class representative cannot attend a meeting, they must arrange for a deputy from their class
to attend instead.
11. Armando is keen to go to a top-ranking university.
12. Elisavetta was supposed to help Brianna organise a charity event two years ago, but kept making
excuses instead.
13. The Debating Society meets on the third Monday of the month after lessons finish.
14. Mrs Eriksson’s first face-to-face encounter with Elisavetta occurred recently, when Elisavetta drove
into the college car park and collided with Mrs Eriksson’s car.
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