Digital Surgery with local politicians encourages student voice

Posted at 11:21 am on 14th November, 2017

Students quiz Kate Green MP and Cllr Sean Anstee

On 2nd November 2017, in partnership with The Politics Project, Wellacre Academy held its first Digital Surgery enabling students to communicate with local politicians on issues affecting them.

A group of Year 9, 10 and 11 Humanities students were able to take part in the Digital Surgery with both Kate Green MP for Stretford and Urmston and Councillor Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council.

During the video conference with each of the politicians, students asked a wealth of questions about their jobs and career pathways, as well as debating their views and opinions on a variety of issues, including housing, the greenbelt and saturday jobs.

The surgeries followed a series of lessons in which students carried out in-depth research and learned about the political process in Britain, the differences between local and national government, and the roles of a Member of Parliament (MP) and Councillor.  In preparation, students had discussed their views and opinions on issues affecting them at a local and national level.

Following the event Kate Green MP said:  "I loved doing the interview with Wellacre students. I hope we can do more surgeries! The students were very well prepared and the questions were very relevant."

On social media, Sean Anstee said of the Politics Project: “It was fantastic to be involved in, as ever!”

Mr Gillan, Teacher of Humanities at Wellacre Academy, said:

“We were extremely grateful to Cllr Sean Anstee and Kate Green MP for taking the time to speak to our students, as well as Harriet Andrews from The Politics Project for co-ordinating the event. The Digital Surgery is a fantastic way to engage Wellacre students in meaningful conversations with local politicians about the issues that matter to them.”

The Politics Project provides democratic education opportunities which directly addresses Ofsted requirements on British Values, SMSC & Prevent, contributes to student voice and allows students to have an impact on the wider community, develops oracy, critical thinking and other soft skills that contribute to employability and also builds strong relationships between schools and politicians.