How would you change the face of politics?

A-level students across Oldham are being encouraged to produce a video and have their say on needed changes to democracy.

The Political Studies Association is running its short video competition for the fifth year with the top entries being invited to Parliament to discuss their ideas with a panel of judges.

It aims to engage young people in politics and this year’s competition will ask students to explore the question “Designing for democracy — what would you propose?”

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said: “Encouraging young people to become more engaged in politics is really important as everyone has something different to offer and getting ideas from future generations is valuable.

“I would encourage all local A-level students to take part in this competition and submit their ideas and videos and hopefully Oldham will be represented in the shortlist.”

Groups of A-level students can submit short videos outlining what they would suggest if they could design a democratic system from scratch.

Shortlisted groups will go to The Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster and the overall winners will receive their award at the PSA’s annual awards ceremony in Westminster. It will be televised on the BBC Parliament channel and each winning student will get the chance to spend a week volunteering with and shadowing the YouGov political team.

Head of the PSA, Helena Djurkovic, said: “The competition is a great chance for students to explore contemporary political issues in a creative way and to learn or enhance new skills, such as video production and interview style.

“This year’s theme on democracy we feel is very apt given the current debates around representation, voting reform and disengagement among young people with traditional Westminster politics.”

For more information on how to enter visit www.psa.ac.uk.