House call – Brecknock Primary School pupils speak at Commons

Published: 4 March 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

SIX children from Camden Town were among just 12 school children from across the country selected to launch a new school council awards scheme at the House of Commons.

The youngsters from Brecknock Primary School, in Cliff Villas, joined the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, at the event last Wednesday evening, to recognise the benefits of school councils.

Year 4 Lauren Murray and Year 6 Abdallah Salim spoke on behalf of Brecknock’s council about the benefits of having a democratic body made up of pupils. They described examples of when the school council had been successful – including the development of rules in the playground.

Brecknock deputy headteacher Tiggy Mitchell said: “Despite their nerves, they spoke up fantastically, even getting a few gentle laughs from all the dignitaries that were there as they explained about their last two projects and the benefits of having a good school council.”

She said that the pupils enjoyed the special treatment they received by Speaker Bercow’s staff.
“The children also managed to take good advantage of the canapés and drinks,” added Ms Mitchell.