Smithdon students meet MP

Tomorrow’s voters had the opportunity to grill their Member of Parliament, when James Wild paid a visit to one of the Trust’s secondary schools.

​The MP for North West Norfolk met School Council Members from across all year groups at Smithdon High School in Hunstanton - a member of West Norfolk Academies Trust, who had the opportunity to put their questions to the visitor.

“The visit came about as we were celebrating Parliament Week, and the School Council had also recently visited the Houses of Parliament,” said Claire Pike, who is Head of Science at Smithdon and organised the event.

“As a school, we feel that it is very important to ensure that students understand how democracy works, and I therefore emailed Mr Wild’s office to see if he was available for a visit during Parliament Week.”

Questions put to Mr Wild by his young constituents covered his involvement with the School Rebuilding Programme, the £25-million Lynn Town Deal, and transport links between Hunstanton and other parts of the constituency. 

“It is really important to have visits by the local MP into school, so we have a chance to put our views across and raise local concerns for young people,” said Student Council member Mia Rodrigues.

Head Student Izzy Mears added: “I found it interesting to learn about all aspects of an MP’s life from Mr Wild, and how he has helped a variety of people.”

As well as the students and Mrs Pike, the MP met Smithdon’s Assistant Head, Dan Ward, who is responsible for the School Council, and Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

“We study democracy in PSHE [Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education], and we will also be taking part early next year in the voting for the Norfolk Youth Parliament,” continued Mrs Pike.  

“I believe that these visits are important, as life at Westminster can seem very removed from life here in Norfolk, and to encourage students to vote in the future, the more understanding they have of the role of MPs and the House of Lords and the Commons can only benefit this.”

Mr Wild commented: “It was a pleasure to return to Smithdon to mark UK Parliament Week, which is an opportunity for young people to find out more about democracy, the role of Parliament, and how they can get involved.”