Partner schools in Northern Ireland and California catch election fever

Ever wondered why the US election process goes on for almost a year? Or who is seen as the real candidate for change, Clinton or Obama? And why Arnold Shwarzeneger cannot run for president?!

These questions and many more were discussed in a video conference about the US elections, between twin schools El Molino High School in California and Magherafelt High School in Northern Ireland.

With it being such a close run battle in the Democratic Presidential candidate nominations, the video conference between the schools did not dissappoint.

Students in El Molino High gave an impressively well versed briefing about each of the three delegates and their policies, who is favoured and why, followed by a Q&A session. 

They took lots of questions from the Northern Irish students such as:

How important is the gender issue in selecting a candidate?

Will John MaCain as the Republican candidate, follow the same foreign policy as George Bush?

What is the press coverage of the US elections like in Northern Ireland?

How have Bush's policies affected the British people?

And if Arnold Shwarzeneger could run for president, would they vote for him?!

The US students explained that whilst Hilary Clinton is seen as the candidate with more political experience, Obama is regarded as the candidate for real change.

Race and gender were also of interest. "But neither of them wants to be seen to be playing the race card or the female card," said the US students. 
 
They explained the concept of 'super delegates' - the Democratic 'big wigs' who can cast the deciding vote between Obama or Clinton, an issue which is creating controversy in the primaries.
 
And they being somewhat envious of the UK election process which takes between 4-6 weeks as opposed to the complex US system which can last around a year!

Teacher's reactions

The teachers who co-ordinate the school partnership on both sides, were equally impressed.

Denver Charles, History teacher at Magherafelt High school says: "It was an amazing educational lesson for our students. The fact that it was chiefly the US students giving the lesson, rather than John or myself, impressed us greatly."

He added: "This was the most effective way of introducing the students to the American Electoral process, it was an unbelievable link up that exceeded my expectations and surprised me a lot."

John Grech, History and Political Science teacher from El Molino, was also proud of his students. "The highest form of learning is teaching others. And describing it across the Atlantic gives the whole process a greater sense of importance than if our study was confined to the classroom".

And as to who they predict will win the Democratic nomination?

"I believe the super delegates will decide on Obama very soon, perhaps tomorrow and then it's on to the general election in which any Democrat will win," says John Grech.

And the verdict in Northern Ireland? Denver Charles says: "In my unscientific straw poll, Obama is still the favoured option in my school."

How did they do that ?

The partnership between Magherafelt High School and El Molino School is facilitated by the British Council.

The link teachers Denver Charles and John Grech also took part in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange programme by swapping jobs for a term at each others schools.

For further information about this scheme contact fulbright@britishcouncil.org

If you are interested in twinning your school, World Class will put you in touch with organisations which facilitate school twinning. To find out more and join World Class in our Find A Twin section.
 
Find out the latest on the US elections at BBC News.

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