A Very Special Visitor

Yesterday, we had the privilege of meeting Ms Helen Hayes MP. Ms Hayes is the MP for our constituency. She met with the School Council, then spent a long time talking to Years 5 and 6. We asked all sorts of questions and she told us many interesting things about her life as an MP and about politics in general.

All of the adults were very impressed by the questions that were asked in this session. We could see how well-informed you all are about world events and about politics in the UK and beyond. Well done!

Some of the interesting questions raised were:
1. As an MP, you have a broader view of British politics. How do you think Brexit will affect the country?
2. How did the death of Jo Cox MP affect the Labour party?
3. As you argued to remain in the EU, do you ever feel scared of people with strong opinions about Brexit?
4. Do you think Donald Trump will be a good President of the United States?
5. What effect do you think the result of the presidential election will have on Britain?
6. How do your children feel about you being an MP?

We were all very impressed by your maturity in the question and answer session and by the level of discussions Ms Hayes MP was able to have with you.

After Ms Hayes MP had left, we were keen to write to her. Here are some excellent examples of the letters we have written to post to her:

Election Update...

Next week we will announce the results of the coalition discussions, but for now here are a few more pictures of Middle School Election Day!

Election Fever!

Source: SFX College

This week, the school has been filled with excitement about the General Election. We have been learning about how UK elections work and how our government is formed. Yesterday we monitored the results of the election with interest throughout the day.

Alongside the General Election, we have had a mock election of our own! Across Year 4 we were divided into four new political parties; The Tomorrow Party, The Vision Party, The Progress Party and The Transform Party. We had to choose our main policies to form a manifesto, elect a leader and deputy leader of the party, design a party logo, create posters and rosettes and prepare speeches. Yesterday, we held a 'Question Time' debate, focusing on the key issues of policing, health and education.

For homework you are designing a persuasive poster to convince people to vote for your party. Here are your key policies, to remind you:

Finally, the time came to vote! We visited the polling station set up in St. Patrick's Class. We registered, received a ballot paper and entered the cubicle to vote, before folding the ballot paper and posting it in the ballot box. (Pictures to follow next week!)

We are pleased to announce the results of the Middle School election:

Progress 19

Tomorrow 21

Vision 27

Transform 14

Therefore, The Vision Party won most votes, but will need to form a coalition with another party to form a government!

Congratulations to all of our political parties!