Cheadle Hulme Primary School take part in UK Pupil Parliament Week
Last week, pupils at Cheadle Hulme Primary School joined schools across the country in celebrating UK Pupil Parliament Week, an initiative aimed at empowering young voices and introducing students to the principles of democracy, leadership, and active citizenship.
The week-long event saw pupils engage in a variety of activities, including debates, mock elections, and workshops on topics such as climate change, mental health, and education reform. They also had opportunities to meet with local Councillors and the newly elected MP, Tom Morrison, came in to take part in a Q&A session and spoke with pupils during an assembly.
Giving pupils a voice:
Mr Ives explained how the week was designed to align with the school’s commitment to prepare pupils for a world we know and a world yet to be discovered:
“Pupil Parliament Week has been transformative for our school community. It’s not just about teaching democracy; it’s about showing children that their opinions matter and that they can influence positive change,” he said.
“As part of the week, we welcomed MP Tom Morrison, providing pupils with the opportunity to put a series of questions to him in relation to UNICEF, his route to becoming an MP and his views on inclusivity for children and adults with disabilities.”
Highlights of the week:
The highlight for many was the mock election, where students formed parties, wrote manifestos, and campaigned on issues that mattered to them.
Workshops led by teachers and guest speakers also explored broader issues such as inclusivity, teamwork, and the importance of compromise in decision-making.
The benefits of early engagement:
Education experts have lauded initiatives like UK Pupil Parliament Week for promoting early civic engagement. According to recent research, young people who participate in
such programs are more likely to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.