Pupils and teachers from Mill Rythe Junior School had a special opportunity to tour the House of Commons and quiz local MP Alan Mak during a visit to Parliament.
The Hayling Island pupils also took part in an interactive learning experience in a workshop at the Parliamentary Education Centre, where they learnt about the history of democracy in Britain and the role of MPs and Peers today.
As part of the experience, the pupils formed two groups, one taking on the role of the Government and the other the opposition. Students also got to ‘dress-up’ as the queen, black rod and other figures from Parliamentary life, and had a mock debate.
Then they had a chance to quiz Mr Mak about his route into politics and his role representing Hayling and the wider Havant area in Parliament.
He said: “It was great welcoming children and teachers from Mill Rythe to Parliament, and I was pleased they had a good time. Pupils had really knowledgeable questions, and it was great to talk to them about local and national issues.
“Visiting Westminster is a great experience for children to learn more about democracy and I’m committed to offering the experience to every schoolchild in the constituency. I encourage any schoolteacher or parent who is interested in organising a tour to get in touch.”
To find out more about school tours, and how to get in contact visit alanmak.org.uk
Picture: Alan Mak MP with pupils and teachers from Mill Rythe Infant School in Parliament