Lord Goddard of Stockport Visits Wellacre Students

Posted at 4:42 pm on 17th January, 2018

The Lord Speaker’s Peers in Schools Outreach Programme

On 12th January 2018, Wellacre hosted a talk from a member of the House of Lords to encourage students to become more engaged with the political and parliamentary process.  Lord Goddard met a group of students from Year 9 and 10 to talk about the work and role of the House of Lords, followed by a question and answer session on various aspects of the parliamentary process and life at the Houses of Parliament generally.

Jayne Irwin, Teacher of RE at Wellacre said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to interact with someone who knows the parliamentary system inside out, as it can sometimes seem far removed from their daily lives, but today they have had a thorough insight into the workings of Westminster.”

Students prepared questions for Lord Goddard on issues they were passionate about including the lack of affordable housing, the increasing pressures on the NHS, the introduction and, now possible, increase of University fees and why Manchester has yet to receive the money promised by the Government in the wake of the Arena bombing.  Lord Goddard answered questions openly and honestly, and went on to explain the role he plays in these issues.

Year 10 Adam Merrick said:

“Lord Goddard answered every question with as much honesty as possible and helped everyone gain a better insight of his day-to-day life as a Lord. His story is very inspirational. The whole experience was amazing and has inspired me to get involved in Politics more.  I’ve gained a deeper understanding about the Government and how I can make a difference.”

One question in particular, from Year 10 Conner Pollitt, captured Lord Goddard’s interest relating to the Grenfell Tower survivors who have yet to be rehoused or compensated as per the Government’s promise.

Mrs Irwin added:

“Lord Goddard agreed with Conner that this was not acceptable and is going to raise the question on Conner's behalf in the House of Lords.  We are very proud of Conner, and all the students who asked probing questions.  We look forward to hearing Lord Goddard raise Conner's question in the near future.”

The visit was arranged through the Lord Speaker’s “Peers in Schools” outreach programme, which was established across the UK in 2007 and has so far involved around 90,000 young people.  Members of the House of Lords visit schools, academies and colleges to give talks in support of the citizenship curriculum.  

Lord Goddard’s successful visit is the second event this year to engage Wellacre students in Politics. In October, the school welcomed Councillor Sean Anstee and Kate Green MP for a digital surgery as part of The Politics Project.