BUDDING politicians from a Worcester school got a taste of life in Westminster at a mock ‘Parliament Day’ at The Hive.
Hosted by the University of Worcester to coincide with UK Parliament Week, pupils from Pitmaston Primary School recently got the chance to put politics into practice with a key debate on the use of modern technology.
Year 6 pupils had to vote on a motion to limit children’s time using electronic tablets and mobile phones, with children arguing forcefully on both sides of a mocked up House of Commons.
Students from the University of Worcester’s Primary Initial Teacher Education degree also got involved and played various characters, including the Speaker of the House and the Clerk of the House.
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, also attended the event to explain his role and answer questions.
Kate Wilcock, headteacher at Pitmaston Primary School, said: “It was such a fantastic opportunity for our children. The Year 6 pupils have been learning about the etiquette of politics and debating within the House of Commons.
“They’ve also been researching the topic, practising their persuasion and debating skills and really challenging their ideas and thinking. These are the events our pupils remember and learn the most from.”
Rachel Barrell, University course leader for Primary Initial Teacher Education, said: “Embedding fundamental British values is a core element of our programme and our Year 3 students have just completed an assignment on how these values can be taught in the classroom.
“Working with Pitmaston Primary School was an ideal opportunity for our students to work with pupils in a creative and innovative way, enabling them to learn about the importance of democracy.”
