READING’S budding policy makers had their first taste of the Houses of Parliament as they took part in a debate with a member of the House of Lords.
Primary school students from Civitas Academy met Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Education, Baroness Barran, attending the visit as representatives of their school’s pupil parliaments.
Baroness Barran spoke to the youngsters about her work in Parliament and across the country, important qualities of leadership, life as a member of the House of Lords, and how to inspire children to have big aspirations.
She chaired the debate, which saw students put forward what they believed makes an effective leader in education, and where they felt school leaders should prioritise their efforts.
They highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice in their futures and collaboration between teachers and pupils, as well as the extent to which students should be involved in schools’ decision making.
Baroness Barran said: “I was delighted to chair REAch2 Academy Trust’s Pupil Parliament discussions on what makes a good leader.
“It was fantastic to see an abundance of enthusiasm and confidence from such young minds and I was inspired by their insightful comments and ideas.
“I hope one day in years to come, Parliament will be able to benefit from their passion and thoughtfulness.”
Students in the REAch2 Academy Trust school’s pupil parliament had been elected from their school council to represent their peers at a regional level, collaborating with those from other schools.
They are encouraged to act as advocates for change within the REAch2 network, to speak up for pupils and to challenge any inequalities which exist in their or others’ lives.
Each child had written an application to explain why they should be chosen to attend the event. This included laying out what their priorities would be as an education leader and the importance of their actions in improving education for all.
Two of the topics they covered were supporting pupils with hidden disabilities, and teachers having a full understanding of how to support them, as well as ensuring children are taught to be open-minded and able to learn with independence.
Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust, said: “Our new school pupil parliament is really important for helping our children realise that they can have a real impact.
“They can also learn more about democracy and understand that they have a voice that we will hear, as well as understanding how to work together to improve their school experience.
“As a trust we are always looking to raise aspirations for our children, and trips like this are so important for helping to inspire them.
“I want these fantastic pupils to realise that there’s nothing to stop them working in Parliament in the future, or even being a future Prime Minister.
“Thank you to Baroness Barran for all her help in supporting this visit and for speaking to us about the importance of leadership within education. I hope that she was impressed by the quality of debate from our pupils.”
