Shyan Brown (11ROB), Sean Heeley (11 ROB), Shafiquer Rahman (11HEM), Afsarah Hussein (11 HEM), Takesha Phillips (11VAH), Ahmed Osman (11VAH), Khadija Jama (11SLD), Imran Said (11SLD), Tamiah Forbes (11HUS), Arshad Hussein (13 DIG), Muhubo Mohamed (13 HAD), Ashlin Gudwara (11HNA), Zeeshan Umer (11VAH), Lewis Higgins (11HEM), Ahmaad Hassan (11SLD), Ifra Masood (11ROB), Shaheen Lindo (12EWD).
Rotary Club Annual Democracy Forum
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n Friday 22 November 2013, the Year 11 and Sixth Form Student Voice representatives went to the twelfth annual democracy forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Birmingham. This event has become very popular because of its location in the historic City of Birmingham Council Chamber. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Lady Mayoress. The afternoon began with a quiz about parliament and the political system in the UK. All students loved the competitive element against other schools in Birmingham. There followed a ‘Question Time’ with a panel of eminent politicians from the local area. The chairman of the event was Pete Morgan, Radio WM Breakfast Show presenter, who kept the debate humorous and fast paced. This was a unique and exciting context for young people to gain their first experience of politics at the highest level. This opportunity enabled Birmingham students to ask questions which were relevant to their personal development and future opportunities. It provided a rare insight into the political world, giving a platform for opinions and inspirtional debate. With over 150 students in attendance
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there was a lot of competition to ask a question. Sean Heeley (11ROB) managed it and asked what politicians are doing to reduce the amount of knife crime in Birmingham. This was one of the better questions of the afternoon as it inspired enthusiastic and passionate debate that lasted twenty minutes. Tamiah Forbes (11HUS) also got in with a question asking what is being done about representing ethnic minorities in politics. (All students were eager to learn about the different views of politicians and many of them have said that the experience has made them more interested in politics.) It will also be useful for the students to use as evidence for personal careers statements when applying for college, university or employment. Shaheen Lindo (12EWD) said: “The ‘Question Time’ in the town centre was very eye opening. I was amazed to see how each party had their own different views on how to solve the problems in society. It is a common misconception that members of political parties differ substantially with one another. The Members of Parliament (MPs) and Councillors were able to explain certain situations to us, it widened my perspective of the political world. It was truly a great experience and I would very much like to go again next year to see how things have changed.”
The event was interesting, stimulating and unique for our students who were very polite in thanking the panel at the end. I would like to thank the Year 11 and Sixth Form Student Voice representatives for being such great ambassadors for Heartlands Academy. Mr Robertson (Humanities Department) The Panel Khalid Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Barr Jon Hunt, Deputy Lib Dem Councillor, Birmingham City Council Sajid Javid, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove and Treasury Minister Poppy Wilkinson, President of the Students’ Guild, B’ham University Chairman Pete Morgan, Radio WM ‘Breakfast Show’ presenter. (6am 9am weekdays)