MPs Vernon Coaker and Paddy Tipping visited Rushcliffe School to help pupils with their entry to the National Youth Parliament Competition on 6 March. Mr Coaker and Mr Tipping watched the school’s young parliament debate the abolition of university fees before giving debating tips and advice on how they could improve. Pupils also had the chance to ask the politicians about debating and the world of politics.
Rushcliffe Comprehensive School is entering the National Youth Parliament Competition following last year’s national win for press officer Bex Bailey. The competition involves pupils setting up a mock parliament which debates a topic of their choice. The debate is video-recorded and sent off to be judged.
The MPs gave pupils advice to improve their performance and talked to them about debating techniques. The pupils gained a lot from the session, and the improvement was evident in their subsequent debate. A conclusion was reached that university fees should be abolished, and the ‘bill’ was passed.
The young people feel it is important to get involved in politics and get their voices heard so they can make a difference. Their enthusiasm and hard work showed that young people are not apathetic to politics and can be very good at expressing their opinions.
Becky Howie, one of the young parliamentarians said of the day: “It was a really enjoyable opportunity. I got the chance to put my debating skills into practice and learn from my peers. I also received very helpful tips from the MPs. I thought today was great fun and that the National Youth Parliament Competition is the perfect way to get involved in politics.”