Barry Comprehensive School

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Barry Comprehensive School was delighted to welcome Cheryl Gillan MP to school last week.

Ms Gillan delivered a lesson to A Level Politics & History students which explained her role as Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and the role of elected representatives in general, and gave a fascinating insight into how the real job of politics is done. Many personal anecdotes were shared, including the chance meeting with Margaret Thatcher that first sparked Cheryl’s interest in becoming involved in politics. Ms Gillan also made clear her belief that anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity or gender can succeed in politics and encouraged the students to consider politics as a potential first or second career.

A lively question and answer session then followed. The students, having already faced Oliver Letwin MP, John Smith MP, Jane Hutt AM and Alun Cairns AM this term, were eager to put some difficult questions to the Minister. Topics ranged from the role of the Welsh Assembly Government, Iraq, Europe, tuition fees, education and many more. In discussing education, the Minister was very complimentary about the ethos and standards at Barry Comprehensive School and was very aware of local funding issues. Ms Gillan also took the opportunity to question the students about their own beliefs and opinions and this made for an interesting and often humorous exchange of ideas.

Ms Gillan’s visit was filmed for the BBC and after the Q&A, the minister and a number of Sixth Form students were interviewed.

The Politics and History students will be visiting the Houses of Parliament in the new year and look forward to meeting with the Minister again.

Photos:

1. Cheryl Gillan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, delivering a lesson to A Level Politics and History students
2. Cheryl Gillan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, being interviewed for the BBC at Barry Comprehensive School