Pupils From Swinemoor Primary School Visit Houses Of Parliament

Pupils from Swinemoor Primary School enjoyed a special trip to London that provided them with a unique opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament.

Jane Sharp, Deputy Head Teacher at Swinemoor School explain how the visit came about she said;

“Last spring, our Year 6 children spent the term learning the skills of portraiture in their Art lessons.”

“They decided to invite local dignitaries in to school, in order to draw their portraits and learn more about their roles in modern Britain.”

“Local MP Graham Stuart was among the guests who came to Swinemoor, and the children were very interested to talk to him about his job, particularly as the General Election was looming and the pupils were taking an increasing interest in politics.”

“After a month or so of hard work, the portraits were completed and framed. The children wrote to Graham to tell him that they had a copy to give to him, and he invited a small group to present this to him in Parliament.”

“Six of our talented artists took the train, taxi and tube to Westminster and spent several hours touring Parliament and meeting with Graham in a special committee room for the presentation of his portrait.”

“Graham told the children all about his work in London and in Beverley. The children thoroughly enjoyed this very special trip.”

“Since then they have been telling their friends that they are now much more interested in politics and have learned a great deal about how the country is run.”

Commenting on the visit Graham said:

“It was excellent to welcome the pupils from Swinemoor to Westminster and to talk to them a little about the job of an MP.”

“It is really important to show children that Parliament is not a remote institution and that what happens here affects all of our futures.”

“I am absolutely delighted with the portrait that the pupils have drawn for me. It’s an excellent likeness and really must have taken a lot of hard work. It will have the pride of place on my office wall.”