Wellacre Students Join USA Digital Surgery

Posted at 11:40 am on 4th November, 2020

Politics Project with Rep. Graig Meyer

In October, Year 9 Wellacre students had the remarkable opportunity to talk politics with USA State House representative, Graig Meyer.

In partnership with The Politics Project, which organises Digital Surgeries with prominent political and parliamentary figures, Wellacre students were invited to join other schools and interview Rep. Meyer about current affairs and issues. 

Mr Gillan, Teacher of Humanities, said: 

“Wellacre has been participating in Digital Surgeries for 4 years now. They are a fantastic opportunity for students to think, debate and discuss issues that are important to them. The chance to do this with an American politician was a unique experience and allowed students to consider international issues and hear different perspectives.”

Rep. Meyer spoke to students from his North Carolina home, and answered a range of  questions on issues as diverse as the US election, the Black Lives Matter movement, gun laws and education.  

On Twitter, he said:

“Thanks for having me! Your students had great questions and opinions!”

Year 9 Wellacre student, Callum, prepared a question regarding gun control in America, and said of the opportunity:

“The interview with the State Representative was a great experience to learn about American politics and how North Carolina's Government works. I would definitely take part again.”

The Politics Project Digital Surgeries, via video conference, are a great opportunity for political and citizenship education, as well as enabling young people to communicate with leading figures.  Following the event, they said:

“We've just finished a fantastic US surgery with Graig Meyer, ranging from the election, US policy issues, and international issues like climate change. A huge thanks to Graig and all students who took part!

“Wellacre’s students were great, a credit to all the work they do.  We really appreciate all the work teachers do to support students to engage.”

As well as using the event to debate with and learn from Rep. Meyer, Wellacre students also heard from Aquinas College students in Stockport and learnt more about A Level Politics and further educational opportunities.