Ten sixth Form students from the school in the West Midlands debated the issue of capital punishment.
On Wednesday 18th April 2012, Lead Mentor Captain Naveed Muhammad started the session about whether capital punishment should be re-introduced in the UK with clips from a Black Adder Goes Forth episode when its principal character Captain Edmund Blackadder is court martialled for the killing of a carrier pigeon. The impeding trial despite the comic overtones showed the implication of what could happen when due process and diligence in the justice system is not adhered to. The topic of capital punishment was chosen after much deliberation by the girls during their mentoring sessions. Two teams participated in the debate; one was pro the other against.
Pro spokeswoman Mobeen Akhtar opening statement focused on capital punishment removing the cost of keeping and providing for certain prisoners who had committed the most horrendous of crimes and removing the fear that victims and law abiding citizens feel when offenders are released from prison.
In response the Against spokeswoman Shaheen Qadar highlighted that every human being has the right to life, miscarriages of justice have taken place previously with the wrongly accused being sentenced to death. Her conclusion focused on the right to take someone life and who are we to make that final judgement.
During the debate, tensions rose with team members adding their own personal reflections and views whilst always allowing their peers the opportunity and space to voice their own opinions.
Anna Sheridan, Executive at Grant Thornton UK LLP and first time Mentor commented “It was great that the students wanted to pick a topic that people would have strong feelings about, and the debate did not disappoint on this front. It was also great to see the whole group (mentors included!) participating in the discussion.”
Afsana Faheem, undergraduate at BCU and also a first time Mentor added “I was proud to see how much the students have grown in confidence from the first session. All students took an active part in the debate and displayed a broad range of views regarding the subject matter. Well done to the girls!”
Bordsley Green Girls and Sixth Form School has been working in partnership with Mosaic since 2010 and have already signed up for next year’s programme. Annalisa Lockett, Mosaic West Midlands Regional Manager commented “I observed the debate and it was wonderful to see the girls engaging in such a mature manner. Their participation and enthusiasm is a direct result of the hard work and commitment that our mentors put into the programmes. I am delighted that the school wishes to participate again next year with Afsana volunteering to be the Lead Mentor”.
Mosaic West Midlands are currently recruiting mentors with training taking place in June and July. Register your interest in our mentoring programmes or contact Annalisa Lockett for further information on Tel. 0121 451 2227 or annalisa.lockett@bitc.org.uk.
