As part of our schools programme the PSA organised a visit to Barry Comprehensive School with Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP and Dr Einion Dafydd (University of Cardiff) on Thursday 16 February. The school is hoping to offer politics as a subject course from next year onwards, so the talk provided a valuable taster for pupils on what could be in store for them.
Twelve Year 11 and 12 students sat down for a round table discussion with Mr Cairns and Dr Dafydd to discuss key issues in politics, including Brexit, with a particular focus on trade deals. The Vale MP was quizzed on his voting record in Parliament, with one of the pupils taking on the style of Jeremy Paxman to put Mr Cairns on the spot about controversial votes in the Commons.
Alun Cairns said: “It was a pleasure to bring the Political Studies Association to Barry Comprehensive so that the pupils could get a taste of engaging with politics before it is available for study next year. The pupils had done their research and asked some excellent questions.”
Dr Dafydd offered specialist knowledge on issues surrounding Brexit from the perspective of the devolved administrations. The Cardiff-based lecturer said: “It was refreshing to see how eager these students were to engage with the key issues facing society: how those in power should respond to the challenges that we currently face, how we should expect our elected representatives to act, and how Wales should be governed following Brexit. The devolved institutions in Wales are becoming increasingly important; they make laws and provide a range of public services. Its essential that citizens of all ages have a good understanding of how the democratic decision-making process works.”
The pupils from years 11-13 were enthused by the visit and engaged in lively debate, discussing the challenges of serving as a Cabinet Minister and as a local MP, and about the differences between the nature of politics in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.
The Political Studies Associations Interim CEO, Sarah Brown, said: “The Political Studies Association is passionate about developing the study of politics in schools, and I am delighted to see Alun Cairns supporting us. Access to those working at the very heart of politics is essential in bringing political science off the page and into the lives of young people.”
The PSA provides a number of resources and engagement opportunities for schools which are available to view here. For more information about how our schools programme can benefit your school please contact [email protected].
