Private School News

Derbyshire pupils debate the politics of the election

A Derbyshire school will be transformed into a miniature House of Commons when its pupils meet for a Westminster-style debate about the upcoming general election.

The senior debating society at Mount St Mary’s College, in Derbyshire, will meet on Friday 30 April to discuss one of the most prominent issues surrounding this election – the leader’s televised debates.

Pupils have chosen to debate the motion “This house believes that the smoke and mirrors of TV debating is good for modern politics.”

They will discuss the effect the TV debates have had on this election and the role they play in deciding the identity of the next man in ten Downing Street.

Helen McKell, head of the senior debating society at Mount St Mary’s, said: “Our pupils enjoy debating a wide variety of topics and have a real interest in current affairs, so we couldn’t resist a feisty political discussion with the election just around the corner.

“The debates are great fun and a brilliant way for pupils to practise valuable skills like public speaking and forming convincing arguments.

“I’m pleased to say that, however controversial the issue, all the pupils always conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner – in fact some MPs could probably learn a thing or two from them!”