MP gets lesson in democracy

A Wolverhampton MP visited Wolverhampton Grammar School  this week in order to find out more about another successful democratically elected body.

Paul Uppal MP, Conservative Member for Wolverhampton South West was invited to WGS by students who were keen to show him how their own Parliament operates.

The WGS Student Parliament which was founded in 2007, was created to grant all students a voice in a democratically elected body. With 37 members, WGS’s Student Parliament is not quite on the scale of its Westminster counterpart, however, Dr  Guard, one of the teachers assigned to help students in the on-going development of the Parliament, believes its remit is still far reaching:

“The Student Parliament’s role is to ensure that both the students and staff of WGS have the opportunity to have their voices heard in an elected body designed to serve the interests of the entire school,” he explains.

“WGS’s student Parliament is an open forum designed to resolve grievances and connect the year groups. It is also the main discussion area for students to bring up their ideas and concerns with a view to pursuing both,” adds Dr Guard.

During his visit to WGS, Mr Uppal saw the Parliament in session and took part in a sixth form Government & Politics lesson. "It was excellent meeting the pupils of Wolverhampton Grammar School today, particularly at this significant time as 2012 marks the 500th anniversary of the founding of the school,” comments Mr Uppal.

“It is always encouraging to see pupils of all ages engaging in the political issues of today. I was impressed by the level of knowledge demonstrated by the pupils and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss and debate a range of topics. I was particularly encouraged by the number of sixth-form students who said they would like to run their own business at some point in the future, which is a positive sign of aspiration and enterprise in Wolverhampton.
 
“I also enjoyed the opportunity to discuss scholarships and social mobility with the Head, Mr Vincent Darby, and I look forward to revisiting the school in the future.”