Young minds inspired by visit from UK Parliament representatives

The children at Reynolds Academy recently had an exciting and educational experience when Mikey Collinson, a representative from the UK Parliament, visited the school to explain how democracy works in the UK.

During his visit, Mikey spoke in a clear, child-friendly way about the roles of key people in Parliament and what happens inside the Houses of Parliament. The pupils were fully engaged in a fun, interactive activity that showed how new Bills are made and highlighted the important roles people play in the process. The assembly sparked curiosity and inspired the children to ask thoughtful questions about the democratic system.

Following this, the children met their local MP, Melanie Onn, for a lively question-and-answer session. Pupils were eager to learn about her experiences as an MP, how she got into politics, and the diverse people she has met in her role. They also asked insightful questions about local issues, including food banks and the availability of free school meals.

The visit helped the children understand that they may have the opportunity to vote from the age of 16 in the future and highlighted the importance of understanding the democratic process. It empowered them to see that their voices can make a real difference and that they can contribute meaningfully to society.

Mikey Collinson said: "I absolutely loved working with the pupils at Reynolds Academy. Their engagement and questions were fantastic and show a real interest in learning how democracy works in the UK. These sessions show young people that Parliament is relevant to their lives. As the next generation of voters and leaders, understanding how laws are made and how they can use their voice is a fundamental part of our democratic rights and British values."

Principal Mrs. Rebecca Scott added: "It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and curious about how democracy works. Experiences like this bring learning to life and remind children that their voices matter. We are proud to support opportunities that inspire our students to be active, informed citizens of the future."