Future faces of democracy learn about parliament
Our pupils learned about the role of parliament and democracy when they took part in a workshop run by UK Parliament.
Rachael Dodgson, Senior Education and Engagement Officer (North West of England, Yorkshire & Humberside) for UK Parliament showed Year 8 students’ videos of MPs speaking in parliament and highlighted some the life changing issues they raised.
Pupils then held their own debates on societal issues, such as whether plastic bags should be banned and the pros and cons of limiting young people’s use of social media. The pupils particularly enjoyed the House of Commons-style debate and, inspired by the MPs in the video, brought the Houses of Parliament to Blackburn with shouts of ‘Hear, Hear’ and ‘Mumble, Mumble’. They learned about the use of respectful titles in parliament, such as ‘the honourable gentleman’ and about the role the Speaker of the House plays.
The aim of the workshop was to highlight to pupils the importance of developing oracy skills and the idea that everyone has the ability to make a change if they put their mind to it by voicing and articulating their concerns.
Majid Ditta, Principal said: “We are also keen for our pupils to be articulate and self-aware as speakers and students recognised how important the role of oracy is, and the impact it can have on their lives. The idea that any one of us can make a change through our voice, and not just what we say but how we say it was a powerful one and it really inspired our boys.”
“We educate our boys to become active members of their local and wider communities and to uphold British values. We are privileged to live in one of the oldest democracies in the world and the boys must always remember that many people gave their freedom, or their lives, to allow them to cast a vote when they reach 18.”
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 7th Jun 2019 | Posted In: Latest News