Year 12 pupils at the Beacon Academy in Crowborough were treated to a tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the House of Commons, on a visit to the Education Centre on September 29. They enjoyed an interactive learning session about the Parliamentary process, and a question and answer session with local MP Nus Ghani.
During the course of the discussion, she described her work as an MP, such as her roles with the Home Affairs Select Committee and the All-Party Group for Ageing and Older People, and the campaigns she is running on trains, aircraft noise and broadband coverage.
Ms Ghani was asked to give advice to anyone considering becoming an MP, and for her views on the current political climate, as well as the greatest challenges she faces in her role.
Commenting after meeting the students, she said: “It was great to welcome the Beacon’s students to Parliament, where they were able to walk the same corridors as some of our most famous historic leaders. I was there as they did a quiz on the Parliamentary process, and am convinced that they knew more about some of the legislative minutiae than I do!
“Their knowledge and enthusiasm is testament to the brilliant work of their teachers, who obviously do such a fantastic job getting them interested in the important work of politics. Beacon Academy provides a fantastic service to the children and families of Crowborough.”
Mr Alistair Milne, Assistant Headteacher at Beacon Academy, who accompanied the students on the visit, said:
“The tour of Parliament is a great way of providing contextual background for students of government and politics. The meeting with Nus was an added bonus as the students were able to gain a deeper understanding of how individual MPs can make a difference in society.”
