Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, returned to Beverley Sixth Form to answer some excellent questions from their A-Level Politics students.
Welcomed by the Headteacher, Gavin Chappell, and Head of Politics, Kathryn Richardson, Graham was taken to the Sixth Form’s new dedicated Politics classroom where he spoke to Year 12 and 13 pupils. He was pleased to learn that the students are encouraged to extend their learning outside the classroom by attending political conferences, volunteering locally and running their own mock elections, which they participate in and analyse the results of.
The students came well prepared and asked Graham a number of excellent questions. They spoke with him on the recent Conservative Leadership Election, the UK’s voting system and what influenced Graham’s political views. He was interested to hear their views about Donald Trump and who their favourite politician was, with a couple of them saying it was Boris Johnson.
Some of the students were also interested in Graham’s own journey into politics. He told them about how he started his own publishing business while at university and served as a councillor in Cambridge for 6 years before running to be an MP. Graham emphasised the importance of grounding yourself in the community and ensuring that you are always in touch with the concerns of the people you represent so you can be an effective voice for them both locally and in Parliament.
Beverley Sixth Form is part of both Beverley Grammar School and Beverley High School, which were both graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas during their Ofsted inspections in 2021. During their visit, the inspectors praised the Sixth Form for offering an ambitious, relevant and well-planned curriculum; and noted that the students are strong role models for young pupils. They also praised the staff for their dedicated support for the students, encouraging them to apply to the top universities in the country and arranging visits that will help them thrive. It is a fantastic asset to our town.
Kathryn Richardson, Head of Politics at Beverley Sixth Form, commented, “It was brilliant to welcome Graham back to Beverley Sixth Form. The students thoroughly enjoyed asking him a range of questions on everything from the recent US Presidential election to his own political journey. His insights brought their studies to life and will benefit them as they prepare for their exams and future political ambitions!”
Graham Stuart said: “Beverley Sixth Form is an excellent asset to our community; with dedicated staff who work tirelessly to help their students thrive. I really enjoyed returning to speak to the current A-Level Politics students, who with the excellent guidance of their teacher Kathryn Richardson are passionate and engaged in both their studies and the world around them. I wish them all the best for the rest of their course and I’m confident that they will do amazing things to transform our community for the better.”
