When the nation goes to the polls for the General Election in May, it could be one of the most closely contested political fights in recent decades.

A recent BBC report estimated that 194 seats could be lost by just a 5 per cent shift in votes. And with 18 to 24-year-olds making up nearly 14 percent of the electorate the youth vote could be the deciding factor in which way the polls swing.

Research from the Hansard Society reveals that only 12 per cent of under 25s intend to vote. Which begs the question: if this is their chance to truly make that pivotal decision about how our country is run, why aren’t they grabbing it with both hands?

At Seaford College in Petworth however, we know that our young people are not apathetic. We are extremely proud of the ethos of our Sixth Form and the quality of A-level teaching and have a vibrant, purposeful and happy Sixth Form which consists of over 140 students.

Whilst we have a number of courses on offer ranging from Economics, Business Studies and Law, our Politics course in particular offers our students an unbiased education about how our political system represents them, how policies are made, and how to choose where they place their votes.

Here are two case studies from our students who are not only passionate about politics but who also challenge the notion that there is apathy from the youth of today about politics and world issues.

James Smith, Seaford College

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be working for the United Nations and World Bank in the department of sustainability. Alternatively, I would like to help solve issues relating to poorer countries who can’t develop due to energy issues, or who are exploited by richer countries for fossil fuels. In the summer, I interviewed employees from Statkraft, a Norwegian company, which is the largest provider of hydroelectric power in the world. I also did work experience with High Speed 2 and found out how high-speed rail would impact the UK.

What are you doing this autumn?

Geography is my passion, and I want to do a mix of Physical and Human Geography at either Exeter or Newcastle University.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your generation?

I would say social interaction. My parents communicate by letters and by going out with friends, but my generation don’t have to do that because of social media. At Seaford, we’re really sociable, but young people outside of Seaford find it difficult to talk to each other. They’re fidgety, they have a limited conversation span. It’s like you’re not in the same room as them. They lack engagement and basic social skills because it’s easier to communicate online.

What is the one thing that really annoys you?

It really annoys me when people don’t put effort in: into football, into lessons, anything. If you have the opportunity you might as well try and make the most of it.

If you could say one thing to the Prime Minister what would it be?

There was a proposal for England to benefit from Norway’s hydroelectric energy, but it was rejected after pressure from England’s existing coal industries. I would really like to have a debate with the Prime Minister about this issue, and about how more sustainable energy can be introduced to the UK.

Do you have a role model and if so who is it and why?

My uncle, Tristan Eves, inspired me to play football. He’s very into health and fitness, and he inspired me to think about wellbeing and the world around me. I really admire his mind set. If you look after your health and body, you can look after your life. I drink lots of water and exercise, so I feel awake, alive, and this helps me to concentrate at school.

What are you most passionate about?

There are two things I am very passionate about. First, I am passionate about health and wellbeing, because it is so good for the mind and soul. I am also passionate about the importance of sustainability. I want to make people think about their dependence on fossil fuels, which is so damaging to the planet. We need to sort it out, and I feel like it’s my job to help to influence people’s energy choices. I want to help people realise their actions, and it’s so important not to abuse the smaller things like leaving lights on. Also, people really take for granted being able to put a switch on, when people in poorer countries just can’t do that.

Marija Ciric, Seaford College

What is your dream job?

I would love to be a politician. I’ve grown up in a politically active family, and my country, Serbia, has had a lot of political ups and downs.

What are you doing this autumn?

I would love to go to LSE to study Politics and International Relations.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your generation?

I worry about the future employability of our generation. There are fewer jobs for young people, and not just in the UK, Eastern Europe is very affected by this problem. In the UK the gap between the poorest and the richest is widening. Not all people are given equal opportunities, and good education is not accessible for everybody.

What is the one thing that really annoys you?

What really annoys me is how young people ignore the problems around them. Young people are too focussed on their own problems, and they don’t see what’s happening in the outside world. Now we are old enough to get involved; our time is coming to be responsible for those older and younger than us. The future is very near.

If you could say one thing to the Prime Minister what would it be?

I would ask him about the solutions to problems such as the employment of young people. I think he should have a proactive approach and encourage entrepreneurs. I think the Prime Minister should make education more accessible and shorten the gap between private and state education, by raising standards in state schools.

Do you have a role model and if so who is it and why?

My role model is ex-Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, who was assassinated in 2003. He was the first person to have a pro-European approach and to enforce it. He bought Serbia closer to Europe. Also, my dad, Goran Ciric, has been in politics for the last twenty years and is the Serbian equivalent of an MP. He is in the democratic party and was the mayor of our town for four years. He was head of Post Serbia, the Serbian Royal Mail, and he is very respected for what he does.

What are you most passionate about?

I am very passionate about education and politics. I am going to an educationally challenging degree in Politics, and I want to help establish Serbia in the international arena. I’d love to go to LSE and then do a Masters, and after that go home and get politically active. I want to get engaged with political youth groups, and then move onto the main party.

John Green, Headmaster, would like to invite you to a Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 24th February, 6.30-8pm. Follow the link for more details.