Sixth form pupils at Kennet School talk Ukraine, covid and cannabis in political Question Time
Coronavirus, cannabis and Ukraine were among some of the topics discussed at a Thatcham school political Question Time last week.
Sixth form students at Kennet School sat down with four local politicians, on March 10, to get answers to their concerns and queries.
Among the visitors was councillor David Marsh (Newbury Wash Common) representing the Green party, councillor Ross Mackinnon (Bradfield) from the Conservative party, councillor Lee Dillon (Thatcham North East) answering on behalf of the Liberal Democrats and Michael Wakelyn-Green standing for Labour.
Kennet School says the aim of the annual event is to ensure students are given the opportunity to discuss things affecting their local area, ask topical questions and understand politics at large.
It also found that the cohort were “intrigued” by the speakers and their different political perspectives.
The pupils asked questions surrounding the decision to drop Covid-19 restrictions despite high infection levels and legalising cannabis.
They also spoke to their local representatives about university fees, as well as international issues like the repercussions of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, focussing on the national and local implications.
Kennet School headteacher Gemma Piper chaired the session and noted that political participation is important for the pupils at the school.
She said: “Other schools can avoid this kind of discussion, but for us, it’s important that our students are able to talk about what’s important to their generation.”
The Question Time isn’t the only discussion-based event held at the school and is a part of the sixth forms ‘Enrichment and Preparation for Adult Life’ programme.
This a wider extension to academic studies aimed to aid pupils in learning about what the wider world entails and what to expect in life after school.
In January, the pupils also sat down with five local faith representatives, in a Faith Forum, in a bid to explore the different religions of the world, as well as reflect on their own beliefs and views.
In addition to the Question Time and Faith Forum, the pupils have been keen to cover topics that will prove helpful in later life with some asking about mortgages.
The programme is adapted in line with pupil feedback and pupils take time to prepare questions ahead of events, giving them time to reflect on what they want from it.
Mrs Piper said: “The students prepare the forum ahead of the event, giving them the opportunity to reflect on themselves, where they stand, what they believe in and what they want to know more about.”
