VISIT OF THE RT HON OLIVER DOWDEN CBE MP, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

On Friday 9 February, Deputy Prime Minister The Right Honourable Oliver Dowden CBE MP came to speak about his role as an MP and member of government, before answering some questions from the audience. Given the speaker's important role in government, it is no surprise that there was a fantastic showing of pupils who listened to the talk! Dowden began by explaining his own experiences, with his local Hertfordshire upbringing surely serving as an inspiration to aspiring young politicians in the audience. Despite his busy schedule meaning he was not able to give an in-depth explanation of all his positions over the years, he still gave a good overview.

Dowden then answered a range of questions from those in attendance, including: ‘What do you think politics has to offer for young people today?’ and ‘How do you plan on tackling the institutional Islamophobia in your party so you can win my vote at the next general election?’

Whilst not everybody in attendance might have agreed with his answers, he definitely gave thought-provoking responses that served to spark discussion amongst the audience after his talk. Politics pupils especially were left with an insightful view of how government really works, whilst the Fifth Form who had not yet begun their course were given a good introduction.

We would like to thank Mr Dowden for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to come and speak at our School and, finally, thank you to Mr Alcoe, Head of Politics, for organising such a fantastic talk, which will definitely be remembered by its attendees for a long time.

Ivor - Lower Sixth Form