Debate on curriculum for life set for Friday

Nearly 7,000 students across the county cast their vote in the national ballot which decides what the Youth Parliament will debate during a House of Commons sitting this Friday.

The topics will be discussed by up to 300 elected young representatives from all parts of the UK and will be chaired by John Bercow MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Members of the Northumberland Youth Parliament, Jamie Macaulay, from the Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick, and Abjol Miah, of Astley Community High School, will travel down to London to join in the debate.

The winning topic is a curriculum for life, which calls on schools to cover subjects such as finance, sex and relationships and politics to better prepare young people for life after school.

Coun Robert Arckless, cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council, said: “The Make Your Mark ballot is a great way for young people to have a voice and to influence the things that matter to them most.

“We’ve seen a record amount of voters across the county this year and I’m delighted that Jamie and Abjol will be representing young people across Northumberland in the House of Commons.”