An English teacher from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls has just spent three days in the Houses of Parliament with educational professionals from across the UK.
Jodie Knight was invited to attend the Teachers’ Institute event in London this week to learn skills and knowledge of Parliament to pass on to pupils and colleagues at HMSG.
The Institute, which is in its 10th year, has trained more than 500 teachers nationally since its launch.
Ms Knight said: “I had a fantastic time. It was fascinating to watch democracy in action and have privileged access to the Palace of Westminster.
“It was obviously very exciting to be there as the Supreme Court ruled on Article 50 and hear first-hand from MPs and political insiders about what will happen next.
“Highlights included Q&A sessions with the Speaker, John Bercow, Baroness McIntosh, Valerie Vaz MP, Carol Monaghan MP, Rt Hon Lord Fowler and David Natzler, Clerk of the House.”
Ms Knight was selected from more than 180 applicants to attend the event.
She added: “I am looking forward to sharing my experiences of Parliament and the democratic process with colleagues and pupils and working towards gaining Gold Teacher Ambassador accreditation for both HMSG, where I teach, and Llandogo Primary School, where I am a governor.”
John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “I am proud that this excellent initiative continues to provide such an invaluable service. Better engagement and dialogue with young people is of fundamental importance to our democracy, and I am sure that the teachers attending will find the experience both useful and enlightening.”
