Shadow Education Minister tours Stonehenge School : Insights on UK’s educational landscape

Shadow Education Minister tours Stonehenge School : Insights on UK's educational landscape

In a significant event for The Stonehenge School, Baroness Barran, the Shadow Minister for Education, recently paid a visit as part of the ‘Learn with the Lords’ programme. This initiative, orchestrated by the UK parliament, aims to bridge the gap between students and the inner workings of the British political system. The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with a prominent figure in education policy and gain insights into the current educational landscape in the United Kingdom.

A day of interactive learning and engagement

The Stonehenge School welcomed Baroness Barran on January 17, 2025, for an immersive educational experience. The event saw the participation of 75 students, all members of the school parliament, who had meticulously prepared for this encounter. In the days leading up to the visit, these young parliamentarians conducted thorough research on the Baroness’s recent contributions to House of Lords debates and formulated pertinent questions.

The day commenced with an interactive presentation by Baroness Barran, offering students a comprehensive overview of the House of Lords’ role within the UK’s parliamentary system. This session proved to be enlightening, providing students with a deeper understanding of the intricacies of British governance.

Following the presentation, the school parliamentarians engaged in a thought-provoking Q&A session with the Shadow Minister. The discussion covered a wide range of pressing educational issues, including:

  • SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision
  • The importance of reading in education
  • Children’s use of mobile phones
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on learning
  • The significance of school attendance

Exploring critical educational challenges

During her visit, Baroness Barran delved into several critical challenges facing the UK education system. She addressed the issue of over-labelling children, a practice that can have long-lasting effects on a student’s academic journey and self-perception. The Baroness also discussed the dual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media on students’ learning experiences and mental health.

One of the key points raised by the Shadow Minister was the need for OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) to investigate the concerning trend of children in Years 1 and 2 falling behind age-related expectations. This suggestion highlights the importance of early intervention in addressing educational gaps.

The debate on mobile phone usage in schools proved to be particularly engaging. The school parliament members presented well-reasoned arguments, touching upon:

  1. The needs of young carers who rely on mobile communication
  2. The importance of digital literacy in today’s technology-driven world
  3. Suggestions for creating inclusive policies that work for all students

Innovations and challenges in modern education

Baroness Barran’s discussion extended to the role of artificial intelligence in education. She highlighted the remarkable advancements in medical applications of AI, drawing parallels to potential benefits in the educational sector. This forward-looking perspective offered students a glimpse into the future of learning and teaching methodologies.

The Shadow Minister also addressed the critical issue of school attendance, which has seen a decline since the pandemic. She shared a startling statistic with the students:

Impact of Severe Absence Effect on GCSE Performance
Students with severe absence 50% reduced chance of passing English and Maths GCSEs

This data underscores the crucial link between regular attendance and academic success, emphasizing the need for strategies to improve student engagement and participation in school activities.

Glimpse into parliamentary processes

A highlight of the visit was Baroness Barran’s presentation of a draft copy of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This tangible example of ongoing parliamentary work provided students with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process. The opportunity to see a real draft bill sparked excitement and curiosity among the young parliamentarians, offering them a concrete connection to the abstract concepts of lawmaking they had been studying.

Following the formal discussions, the school’s Head Boy, Charlie, and Head Girl, Katie, led Baroness Barran on a comprehensive tour of The Stonehenge School. This personal touch allowed the Shadow Minister to gain a firsthand understanding of the school’s environment, facilities, and unique characteristics.

The visit by the Shadow Minister for Education to The Stonehenge School exemplifies the value of programmes like ‘Learn with the Lords’. By bridging the gap between policymakers and students, such initiatives foster a deeper understanding of democratic processes and encourage active citizenship among young people. The school expressed gratitude for this opportunity and anticipates future collaborations with the programme, recognizing its role in shaping informed and engaged citizens for the future of the United Kingdom.

Romuald Hart
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