Ashburton Primary School pupils travelled to Westminster to visit the Houses of Parliament today (21/07/17). The group of 30 Year 5 students visited various landmarks around the parliamentary estate including the House of Commons Chamber and Westminster Hall. Following the tour the town’s Member of Parliament Mel Stride met the teachers and children to answer questions and discuss the role of MPs and Ministers.
Speaking after the trip, Headteacher Louise Lee-Gammage said:
“Our pupils very much enjoyed their visit to Westminster and this trip helped to make the learning they have done at school seem more real. It was also great to meet their local MP and for the pupils to understand more about the job politicians do and how the House of Commons works. Their challenging and thoughtful questions showed how clearly they understood and valued the role of their local MP.”
Mel added:
“It was a pleasure to welcome such an enthusiastic and engaged group of pupils to Westminster. I know the children have been learning about Parliament and how our country is governed, but there’s nothing like standing in the House of Commons to inspire an interest in politics at an early age.”
Ashburton Primary School is part of South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, formed in April 2011 and contains 7 local schools: Ashburton Primary, Buckfastleigh Primary, Ilsington C of E Primary, Widecombe Primary, Moretonhampstead Primary, South Dartmoor Community College and The Atrium Studio school. Ashburton has 197 pupils and was confirmed as a ‘Good’ school following its Ofsted inspection in March 2017.
