Barry Comprehensive School

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Fifteen sixth form pupils from Barry Comprehensive School visited the Houses of Parliament last Tuesday. They went on the visit as part of their AS Level Government and Politics course.

The first part of the day was spent having an official tour of Parliament. The students were able to stand in the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as viewing other key sites. They also spent time looking around Westminster Hall. After the tour had finished, they met with John Smith, MP for the Vale of Glamorgan. John Smith spent time answering the students’ questions and explaining his role and responsibilities as MP. He was also able to give the students an insight into his hectic schedule and the competing demands on his time.

After lunch, the group was fortunate enough to be able to meet with Cheryl Gillan MP in her new office in Portcullis House. Cheryl Gillan served in the Department for Education and Employment during the last Conservative Government and is now Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, and as a result possesses a great interest in education in Wales. Cheryl has previously visited Barry Comprehensive School and held an open forum with the sixth form Politics students. During their visit, the students were able to ask Cheryl about her time in Parliament and the importance of her various roles. They were also given an insight into her constituency work.

The students felt that the day helped them to understand how Parliament operated, and also contributed to their understanding of the AS Politics course.

Photos:

1. Pupils with Cheryl Gillan MP outside Portcullis House
2. Pupils meet with John Smith MP
3. Big Ben