Manchester: Saint Paul’s pupils inspired by democracy

As part of Parliament Week 2014 pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, visited the People’s History Museum in Manchester where they sat down with MPs, academics and policy makers to discuss a variety of issues and create a manifesto for change.

The People’s History Museum, together with The Democratic Society and the Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy, hosted the event to enable young people to communicate their views to Parliament and experience democracy in action.

MPs who attended included: Lucy Powell (Manchester Central), Andy Burnham (Leigh), John Leech (Manchester Withington) and Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East).

“Mike Kane MP is very keen for young people from Wythenshawe to come and have their voices heard, and specifically asked us to attend the event,” explained Ms Michelle Davies from Saint Paul’s. “At school as part of Parliament Week, we have had a programme of events and activities that inspire, engage and connect our pupils with parliamentary democracy.”

“We want to encourage our pupils to raise their awareness and understanding of Parliament and democracy in the UK,”

commented Mrs Fiona Minshall, Head Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “Pupils have engaged in a multitude of activities and have been very happy to embrace the spirit of the week and get involved and have their voices heard. “

For more information on Saint Paul's Catholic High School, see: www.st-paulshigh.net/