On Friday 20th May, A level politics students and Year 10 history students took part in an online meeting with Baroness Deborah Wilcox of Newport. This was a fantastic opportunity, especially since Baroness Wilcox is an active and influential member of the House of Lords, serving as an opposition whip and a shadow spokesperson in the realms of education and Welsh affairs.
Baroness Wilcox spoke briefly about her life and career. Spurred by a love of literature, she spent over 30 years as a teacher before entering local government and eventually receiving a peerage. Following this, students were given the fantastic opportunity to speak with the baroness and ask her questions over the call, receiving detailed and engaging responses concerning what life is like as a peer, the role of the House of Lords in scrutinising the government and the prospect of further constitutional reform. Her insights and anecdotes gave colour and life to the sometimes-anaemic study of political systems and left students feeling much more informed and engaged with the political issues that face our society. We are very grateful to Baroness Wilcox for finding time to speak to us and to Mr Paterson for organising the event.