Pupils and a politician traded places last week when Beaufort Primary School council went to the Houses of Parliament in London before Derby North MP Amanda Solloway took a seat in their classroom in Chaddesden.
While in London on May 9, the 14 pupils, aged seven to 11, experienced a live debate in the House of Commons and even tried their hand at their own debate. They also got to visit some of the sights of London.
The following day, the children were able to quiz Amanda Solloway MP, when she visited the school to answer their questions.
With their parliamentary experience fresh in their minds, the pupils asked about the MP’s most and least favourite debates and where she sits in the House of Commons, as well as about what inspired her to become a politician.
Head teacher Kate Beecroft said the trip to the Houses of Parliament the day before meant the pupils asked some very insightful questions and were very enthused by the politician’s visit.
Pupil Imogen McKerron said her favourite part of the trip had been in the House of Commons.
“The best bit was watching a real-life debate in the House of Commons because it felt special to be there rather than watching it on TV,” she said.
Tharun Selvaruban said he liked it when his teachers got into character for their own debate.
“It was fun when Mrs Hutchison wore a wig and dressed as our own Speaker of the House for our workshop debate,” he said.
Bella Howlett and Ashwin Sasitharan enjoyed the visit to London as a whole. Since taking on the role of headteacher at Beaufort Primary School earlier this year, Kate has made it a priority to arrange trips for children so they can experience learning outside the classroom.
“Exploring life on the London Underground and seeing how busy it was in order to get to different places was really exciting,” said Bella.
Ashwin added: “I loved going to the National History Museum and seeing all the brilliant artefacts.”
Back on home soil in Chaddesden, head teacher Kate gave Amanda a tour of the school to explain how £175,000 of recently awarded government Condition Improvement Fund money will be used to replace 47 internal doors and install fire doors.
The school, part of the Odyssey Collaborative Trust, was one of four of the Trust’s schools to be awarded money from the fund, during a bidding round which saw the lowest number of school building work requests approved since the CIF system began in 2015.
Ian Dewes, Chief Executive Officer at Odyssey Collaborative Trust, said: “We’re committed to making sure children and staff have the best possible environment to learn and work in and we’re delighted that at a time when less than half of the bids made nationally have been unsuccessful, four of our schools will be benefitting from nearly a million pounds of investment in the next few months. This will help us to achieve our vision or helping our pupils, staff and communities thrive.”
Amanda Solloway said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit Beaufort Primary School and I was so pleased to hear how much they had enjoyed their visit to the Houses of Parliament.
“I am a real believer that you can’t be what you don’t see and it’s only by showing the next generation what the possibilities are that we will develop our future MPs and changemakers.
“I was thoroughly impressed by the pupils’ enthusiasm, their excellent questions and their great behaviour. They were a credit to the school.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Odyssey Collaborative Trust by Kirsty Green. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
