What’s it all about?

Young people are an important part of society. Nearly a quarter of our population is made up of people under the age of 18.

Out there is our future Prime Minister, our next England captain, our Olympic gold medallists, our Nobel Prize winners, our inventors and entrepreneurs.

Yet the voice and opinions of young people are often overheard! Termtime is changing this and aims to give all teenagers the opportunity to contribute to the issues that affect you!

So, are you fed up of not having a voice?

Here at Term Time, we believe that young people are the future, and we want to hear what you have to say.

That’s why we have set up our first ever ‘Youth Council’.

Tell us what’s it like coping with the stresses and demands of today’s youth culture? We want to find out!

We’re giving you a voice to say what you really think about the issues that matter to you, and to discuss your experiences and ideas about what’s happening at your school.

In February 2009, we held the ‘2009 Termtime Youth Debate’ where we discussed the issues that face people like you at secondary school today. Go on, have a look by clicking on the ’Youth Debate’ tab.

We are also looking for young people who want to have a say into the way Termtime is run. Are you a budding designer, photographer or journalist? If so, it’s a great opportunity to get involved and showcase your talent. Just get in touch via the ’Contact’ tab.

If you have an idea you want to make reality, if you have something which is bugging you, or if you just want a piece of the action, what are you waiting for? Get in touch!

What do I need to do?

If this sounds like you, enter our competition by answering two of the following questions:

• In our search for cool, we want to know what cool means to you?
• What is your view on schooling in the 21st century?
• If you where Prime Minister, what would you do for young people in the UK?

You can submit your entry as a written report, or as a video blog, if you prefer. We just ask that it is your own work and no more than 250 words.

Your teacher will be able to help you if you get stuck.

We’d also like you to write no more than 100 words on why you think you should be on the council. For example, what skills could you bring, and what issues do you really want to talk about?

The closing date is 10th January 2009.

Entries will be judged in 3 categories- 11-12 year olds, 13-14 year olds, and 15-16 year olds. Please indicate clearly which category you wish to enter.

The best entries will be short-listed and 2 winners will be chosen from each age group by a panel of judges from each school.

The successful entrants will then be invited to join the Youth Council for "The 2009 High School Debate" live in Feb. Date and venue tba.

Entries should be marked clearly with your name, age, school and email address, and sent to: Term Time, Citrus House, 5th Floor, Term Time 40-46 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 5SF.

Or, if you prefer, you can send your entry electronically via our email address: editor@termtime.com

Council Member 1

Name: Dominic Stewart

D.O.B: 26.07.1991

Reasons for becoming a member:

I joined Term Time youth council as I think it is a fantastic campaign. We need more people like you to guide young people with regards to such serious issues! The UK Government and schools do little to tackle various issues covered, but this campaign effectively highlights them and also points young people in the right direction to seek help.

I also joined the council as I want to make a difference and finally get the opportunity to voice my opinions on matters that concern me. At 16 you are classed as an adult for certain things and have to pay adult prices i.e bus fairs. However, you have to wait till 18 to be accepted as an adult and express your say to vote. I hope that through joining the youth council we will actively lobby against the UK government and gain some power over issues that affect us!

You can read Dominic’s first assignment on how to revise for exams by clicking here.

Council Member 2

Name: Timothy Joseph

D.O.B: 11.11.1993

Reasons for becoming a member:

It was after I became friends with Term Time on Bebo, when I saw the opportunity to become part of a national youth council. I decided to apply because I want to have a voice which is heard. I also joined because I want to help others who are to scared to ask for help.

Check out Timothy’s views on issues young people face in high school today by clicking here.

Council Member 3

Name: Katie Wardlaw

Age: 13

Reasons for becoming a member:

I would love to be on the council as I would like to help others who are victims of bullying and help with other important issues. As I am experiencing high school right now, I now all about the pressure to be like everyone else and how being ‘different’ can lead to bullying or being left out. I also know about things like exams, self-harming and anorexia as I have friends who have experienced them. Being on the council would give me a chance to voice my opinions and help others to ‘survive high school’.

Check out Katie’s views on bullying by clicking here.