Digital Dialogues

Posted at 11:40 am on 16th November, 2023

Politics Project with Local MPs

During the Autumn term, Wellacre has hosted Digital Surgeries with local politicians Andrew Western MP and Cllr Ged Carter as part of student work with the P6 Politics Project.

Year 8 to 10 students are part of the P6 group, which explores local, regional and national government and politics, the role of councillors and MPs, democracy and power in society, and the political issues that are important to them.

  

The Politics Project has been running for a number of years at Wellacre, and there have been numerous opportunities for students to have meaningful, informed interactions with politicians. 

During the weekly sessions, they prepare for upcoming Digital Surgeries by researching the politician they will be meeting and shaping their questions around his policies. Each student picked a question to pose to both Andrew Western MP and Cllr Ged Carter.

  

Miss Morley, Teacher of History, said:

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain an insight from a professional politician who represents many of their families in parliament. I think this is hugely important, especially given the current political climate which undoubtedly affects not just students at Wellacre, but children all over the country. I am incredibly proud of all of the students who took part and shared their thoughts with Andrew and Ged.”

This was the second Digital Surgery with Andrew Western MP for Wellacre, as well as a visit to school last year, and this is a strong reflection of the hard work of students and their interest and understanding of politics.  

The discussion with Andrew Western covered his career in politics, education and economic policy and, most importantly, who will win the Cricket World Cup!

In the digital dialogue with Cllr Ged Carter, students asked a range of questions about his role as a councillor for Flixton, his views on HS2 being scrapped and how the cost-of-living crisis has affected the local area. 

Callum, Year 10, said:

“The questions asked provided a wide range of opinions and knowledge that helped me understand what is happening and what is going to happen in the future.  I am happy with the responses of the MP and I am looking forward to doing it again, so I can learn more about where I live and what is being done to improve it.”

Yoda, Year 10,  added:

“The Period 6 sessions have been great at developing my knowledge of politics and it was good to show this in the conversation with Cllr Ged Carter. It was good to have the opportunity to ask him about issues in Flixton.” 

Cllr Ged Carter said on Twitter:

“Huge pleasure to discuss politics, work and Flixton with some sharp minds atWellacre.”