THE Speaker of the House of Commons has praised the efforts of six young people at Warrington’s Priestley College who helped promote politics among fellow students.
John Bercow MP presented the Priestley College students with the Speaker’s School Council Award, which recognises the most inspiring and engaging achievements of school councils across the UK.
“The Speaker commended all the students for the hard work and enthusiasm they had shown in raising the profile of political issues at college,” said senior tutor Mark Salmon. “It was a great moment for them to receive praise from such a senior figure.”
Six members of the College Council and graduates travelled to the Speaker’s Office in Westminster to collect the award, along with Mr Salmon and Fran Evans, director of Student Services.
The prize was in recognition of their project, which was designed to raise the political literacy of others by promoting active citizenship.
Part of their work saw them involved in a UN Conference for sixth formers in which they took on the roles of different countries and debated the merits of their own resolutions.
Their project also included speed debating with local councillors, collating views on tuition fees and arranging formal question times.
It was chosen ahead of 280 entries for the national award, which is now in its third year.
Last month Lord Sharkey visited Priestley College as part of a national campaign to engage young people with the political and parliamentary process.
He returned the hospitality when the students went to London when they had tea with him in the Peer’s Dining Room.
They also met Warrington South MP David Mowat, who commended them for their high level of political engagement.
Mr Salmon added: “This was a unique opportunity and all the students really appreciated that.
“As a result of the project at least two of them now want to engage in politics at Westminster.”
Pictured: Students meet Speaker John Bercow.
