Girvan Academy: debate on asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland

In November 2003, Girvan Academy Modern Studies Department held its 9th annual S2 Modern Studies Day on the subject of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland. 

The event was based on an imaginary proposal to build a detention centre for asylum seekers in the Girvan Area. The conference participants were asked to address three crucial questions arising from this proposal:

1. should asylum seekers and their children be detained?
2. should a detention centre be located just outside Girvan?
3. if a detention centre were to be located there, should the children of asylum seekers held there attend Girvan Academy?

The day involved 110 S2 pupils, four Modern Studies teachers, 32 S6 support workers as well as 45 guests from various backgrounds including MSPs, journalists and representatives from non-governmental organisations.

The case study looks in detail at the debates, the campaign work and preparation involved in holding this very successful event.