Pupils Visit Cornwall Council HQ to Learn About Local Democracy

More than 50 pupils from 14 schools were given a close look at democracy during a special visit to Cornwall Council’s headquarters as part of UK Parliament Week.

A Day Inside Local Politics

The children spent the day at Lys Kernow taking part in debates, workshops and activities with council staff and councillors. They questioned Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, and Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools, on topics ranging from working hours to biodiversity and planning.

The pupils also debated whether schools should have a pet, tackled a marble run challenge and carried out a real vote with the elections team using official booths and ballot boxes.

Schools From Across Cornwall

All the children were from schools in the Aspire Academy Trust, representing St Keverne, Bugle, Delabole, Tintagel, Shortlanesend, Manaccan, St Minver, Indian Queens, Padstow, Bude Junior, Connor Downs, Tregolls, Sandy Hill and Truro Learning Academy. They all said the experience had been a lot of fun.

Lulabelle, from Indian Queens Primary School, said:
“It’s been very fun. What I liked learning about was how many councillors there are in Cornwall. They help make the world a better place and make decisions.”

Flo, from St Minver School, said:
“It’s been really fun and we’ve learned how Cornwall is trying to take care of older people. We also made some ramps and learned how to work as a team.”

Mark Harding, Year 6 teacher and Assistant Head of School at Indian Queens Primary School, said:
“We’re really proud to be able to offer children the opportunity to express their views and give them a voice to help shape their future. After all, these children will be the leaders of tomorrow and the skills they learnt today will help them in that journey. It’s also great to see so many schools working together. Cornwall Council has done a wonderful job of hosting and made local politics a welcoming place to be.”

Councillors Hear Fresh Perspectives

The day supported Cornwall Council’s pledge to uphold children’s rights under the UN Convention on Rights of a Child, which includes the right to an education that develops a young person’s personality, talents and abilities, and the freedom to express opinions.

Cllr Leigh Frost said:
“It was fantastic to hear what these young people had to say at Lys Kernow. It really helped us understand what matters most to them and what they expect from us as councillors. They brought some new ideas and asked questions that definitely gave us plenty to think about.”

Cllr Hilary Frank said:
“We had a brilliant question and answer session with the children. Their questions stayed with me afterwards and shifted how I see things.
“It really matters that young people gain the confidence to understand they can be the change they want to see, and realise that every one of them has the superpower to shape the world around them, whatever their background or age.”

The pupils also heard about Cornwall Youth Council and were encouraged to get involved.