Could Cornwall’s Next Leader Be in the Classroom? Pupils Explore Politics

Learning about democracy during UK Parliament Week

Around 30 pupils from eight schools across Cornwall got a taste of life in politics last week during a visit to Cornwall Council’s headquarters in Truro. The event, organised as part of UK Parliament Week, gave children the chance to engage in workshops and activities focusing on democracy, teamwork, and children’s rights.

The pupils, who are part of the Aspire Academy Trust, represented Crowan Primary School, Tregolls Academy, Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School, St Stephen Churchtown Academy, Summercourt Academy, Nansledan School, Probus Primary School, and Sandy Hill Academy.

Hands-on activities and meeting Cornwall’s MPs

The day included creating a green village, a building challenge, and even holding a vote with official election booths and ballot boxes. The children also met Cornwall MPs Noah Law and Jayne Kirkham, as well as councillors from their local areas, and asked insightful questions on topics such as bins and council tax.

One pupil from Nansledan School shared her excitement, saying:
“I learnt about the importance of teamwork and listening to other people’s ideas. It made me want to show people I can be a good Prime Minister and help people.”

Empowering young voices in local government

Mark Harding, Year 6 teacher and Assistant Head of School at Indian Queens Primary School, highlighted the significance of events like these in inspiring young people:
“Inspiring young people to be active citizens and the belief democracy and local government is something they can actively participate in is at the heart of this event. It’s so important to have School Parliaments and School Councils working together to shape the future of all the schools in our trust, and that critical pupil voice may also help the county develop and shape positively impactful policies for young people in the here and now.

“Our sincere thanks go to all the Aspire schools and council departments who have supported this over the past couple of years, as well as to the MPs and councillors who give up their time to inspire children’s interest in politics.”

Support from Cornwall’s councillors

Cornwall Councillors James Mustoe, Dick Cole, and Thalia Marrington were all impressed by the enthusiasm and engagement of the pupils.

James, chair of the council’s Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:
“It was brilliant hearing the voices of these young people in County Hall so we can understand what their priorities are and what they want as their councillors. There were some fresh perspectives and some really good questions for us to think about.”

Thalia, who represents Mousehole, Newlyn, and St Buryan, commented:
“It’s really good to make young people see that they can be the change they want to see, and they can all do it, no matter what background you are from, who you are or how old you are.”

Dick, leader of Mebyon Kernow and Cornwall Councillor for St Dennis and St Enoder, added:
“It was a really positive experience and really good to see the enthusiasm and knowledge, and such inquisitive minds. It was really refreshing and so much more positive than some meetings we as adult councillors have!”

Encouraging future involvement

The pupils also learned about the work of Cornwall Youth Council and were encouraged to get involved, supporting the council’s commitment to upholding children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC).

This includes the right to an education that develops a young person’s personality, talents, and abilities, as well as the freedom to express thoughts and opinions.

Photo: Pupils from Aspire Academy Trust schools in the council chamber at New County Hall for UK Parliament Week.