MP Emily Thornberry brings a piece of parliament to Central Foundation Schools of London
On 17 October, A Level Law and Politics students of both the Girls’ school and the Boys’ school had the pleasure of a face to face encounter with a leading politician when Rt Hon Emily Thornberry visited to give a talk and hold a Q&A session.
The visit took place in the recently renovated and award-winning Tabernacle Chapel at the Boys’ School where the Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury spoke about her journey studying law at university, becoming a barrister and her subsequent career in politics.
Making a difference
Emily talked about her constituency and her desire to make a difference and spoke honestly about the challenges of balancing local issues with national and international affairs. She covered several pertinent topics of particular interest and concern to students including the humanitarian cost of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, winter fuel payments, Labour’s manifesto for change and her belief that the voting age should be lowered to 16.
Students were fully engaged throughout and enjoyed following up with her afterwards, alongside staff, in an informal chat over refreshments.
“It’s not every day that we get to hear from someone so involved in shaping our community and policies. What really stood out to me was her emphasis on the importance of young voices in politics,” said Marco, a year 13 student, giving voice to a sentiment that was echoed by many in attendance.
Events Programme funding
The visit was made possible by the inter school Events Programme, funded by Central Foundation Schools of London. The Events Programme grant was awarded in 2023 with clear aims aligned to our core values. Enriching the students’ lives academically and socially, and paving the way for a successful future lies at the heart of the Foundation’s strategy and decision-making.
£4,000 to cover provision for both schools was carefully budgeted to enable the Events Programme to widen students’ horizons, with experiences such as luminary speakers, parliamentary visits and social occasions that they might otherwise not enjoy in their everyday lives. The programme also takes into consideration feedback from the students themselves that they welcome opportunities to socialise with their cohort at the sibling school.
Inspirational careers advice
Additionally, and importantly, the Events Programme works alongside the schools’ careers departments and has been designed to bring to life career options and to help students shape their views of their onward journey with opportunities to meet inspirational leaders in exciting roles.
The event cost just £400 to host and was facilitated by trustee Avril Calder Events Programme lead on the board, who has championed and helped shape the programme from its inception. The success of this dynamic event is evidenced by the students’ own reflections. Year 12 Girls’ School student Arnisa wrote an excellent blog detailing the event in which many students shared their thoughts.
Nusrat, in Year 12, summed it up most succinctly when she said, “It was really nice meeting Emily Thornberry, her responses and speeches gave me an insight into parliament and how her journey led to her current position. Her encouragement for young people to be an active part in politics was admirable and served as a reminder that our voice matters.”
We’re always on the lookout for exciting new partnerships for our Events Programme. If you know an inspirational speaker (or are one yourself!) who can enthuse our students with passion for professions please do get in touch.