Pupils at Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School in Calne welcomed Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson for an engaging question-and-answer session exploring democracy, Parliament and current affairs.
The chance to question their local MP gave pupils at Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School in Calne a first-hand insight into how democracy works in the UK.
The school, part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, welcomed Sarah Gibson for a special visit with Year 5 and 6 pupils, who learned about her role representing the Chippenham constituency before putting her in the hot seat with their own questions.
The children asked about a wide range of topics, including support for children with ADHD, women’s representation in politics, LGBTQIA+ rights, energy costs, refugee rights and the future of rail services.
Sarah also spoke about her work representing constituents both in Westminster and across the constituency, giving pupils a greater understanding of how elected representatives make decisions and support local communities.
The visit formed part of the school’s commitment to helping pupils develop their understanding of citizenship, democracy and current affairs while encouraging them to have confidence in expressing their own views.
Helen Biles-Wood, Executive Headteacher at Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We were delighted to welcome Sarah Gibson to Saint Edmund’s and very grateful for her time. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils asked thoughtful questions and showed great curiosity throughout the session. It was a valuable opportunity, and the pupils certainly made the most of it.”
Following the visit, Sarah Gibson wrote on Facebook, “I was delighted to visit Saint Edmund’s Catholic Primary School in Calne this week and spend time with the fantastic Year 5 and 6 students. Their curiosity, confidence and willingness to engage with complex issues was inspiring. Thank you to all the students and staff for such a warm welcome and a brilliant discussion. The future is in good hands.”
