“I felt very honoured to be invited back to take part in the Sixth Form Forum yesterday,” said Deputy de Sausmarez. 

“It was encouraging to see so many young people who were engaged in issues relating to them, their island and their future. We were given quite a wide range of questions and, while there were some strong areas of consensus from those of us on the panel, I hope we also provided a fair range of answers to illustrate some differences of political opinion on some issues as well.” 

She continued by suggesting that, “this States has some decisions to make this term that could have very significant repercussions for this generation of islanders, for example on affordable housing and how we fund our health service and long-term care”. 

The Year 12s were split into two groups and the deputies then had to go and introduce themselves, before answering a series of questions. 

Pictured: Deputy Ferbrache said the event gives students an opportunity to “see the whites of the deputies eyes” and is “invaluable”. 

Deputy Dudley-Owen is the President of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, she said: 

“I am very pleased that the Sixth Form offer their students the opportunity to meet and talk to their Deputies, it’s mutually very beneficial.  

“The session is well-structured and geared towards getting the best out of the event for the students: they are able to quiz us their elected representatives, develop an awareness about local politics and hopefully an interest. It also helps to build confidence for the students in being in this type of forum and interacting on a different level than they might be used to. One of the most valuable and enjoyable aspects of my job is having discussions with the electorate and none moreso than with young members of the community.  

“As they are the future workforce, parents and leaders of our island it is very important that we have these opportunities to understand what matters to them, to hear their views and to give them the information that they seek. It is unusual to have this close access to politicians in other places and this point is something that is appreciated by all of us involved.” 

Pictured: "The questions are normally direct and challenging and this year was no different...  I hope it helps an age group just entering the electorate to see that politics really is important because it unavoidably touches every aspect of all our lives," said Deputy Gavin St Pier.

A common theme among the deputies was a feeling of privilege to be invited in the first place. 

“I was genuinely honoured to have been chosen by the Year 12 students of the sixth form centre,” said Deputy Cameron. 

“Having been a part of the sixth form myself many years ago, and now with my eldest child currently studying there, I feel a deep connection to the centre. 

“This event was the first time that I have participated in such a format, and I found it to be really engaging. I believe it could serve as an excellent model for pre-election hustings in the future. 

“The discussions revolved around key topics such as Housing, Education, Economy, and Health. Students delved into issues including university tuition fees, affordable housing, cheaper air and sea connectivity, the future of the sixth form centre, active travel, and improving cycle infrastructure.”