ST Nicholas Catholic High School has been promoting democracy by getting involved in Parliament Week 2017.

The Student Council, supported with funding from the PTFA (Parents, Teachers and Friends Association), took over the school’s Citizenship Day and delivered politics education.

The day began with an introduction to Parliament and British Values with staff delivering workshops on debating skills and pupils taking an active role in running their own debates on issues that mattered to them.

Pupils also took part in a mock election.

Richard Woods, headteacher, said: “I am delighted that the students at St Nicholas have been able to participate in this fantastic opportunity which has enabled us all to reflect, discuss and engage with democracy in action.

“As a Catholic Christian community this is just one example of the many ways we support the formation of our students' social conscience and strengthen their commitment to the common good of our local communities and beyond.”

Jessica Leigh, a Year 12 student and Member of Youth Parliament, and a number of talented speakers including Jo Austin-Preece from the Gunjur Project, Sonya Bassey MBE and Dr Andy Mycock Politics Lecturer from the University of Huddersfield all gave talks to pupils.

The day was supported by Lesley Dixon from Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service.

Jessica Taylor, 12, said: “I really enjoyed Citizenship day as it was a great opportunity for young people to share their views and opinions.

“Jo Austin-Preece spoke to us about Gambia and that was really exciting. I also really enjoyed the mock election with Lesley.

“I feel confident knowing how to vote in the future.”

As well as this day, the school also took part in ‘Make Your Mark’, an initiative run by the UK Youth Parliament.

It gives young people across the country an opportunity to vote on which issues are most important to them.

These issues are then debated in the House of Commons at the National Youth Parliament debate.

One of St. Nicholas’ Sixth Form students, Jessica Leigh, represented the school and the Youth Parliament at this event.

Finally, the Student Council were given the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament in order to further expand their knowledge on politics.

While there, they took part in a tour around the chambers and demonstrated great enthusiasm when taking part in a debating workshop.