05.12.2011
Year 14 A’ level History students participated in political debate with local politicians at DaVinci’s Hotel on the 18th November. Saint Mary’s students participated in the debate with over 100 students from other schools from throughout Derry. Our sixth year students thoroughly enjoyed this unique experience to put local politicians on the spot about important issues such as high unemployment amongst under 25 year olds; funding for Universities including the cap on places at the Magee Campus of the University of Ulster; the A5 project, World War One and the Poppy Controversy and under-investment in Derry and the North West.
The morning debate was attended by politicians from each of the main parties in Northern Ireland and included:
- Colm Bryce (People Before Profit)
- Gregory Campbell (DUP)
- Colum Eastwood (SDLP)
- Raymond McCartney (Sinn Fein)
- Basil McCrea (UUP)
The debate was chaired by the Journalist and Political Commentator Eamonn Mallie who contributed to making the debate well paced, informative and enjoyable.
Students had a unique opportunity at the afternoon session to participate in round table discussions with a range of local political figures ranging from the Green Party to the Progressive Unionist Party and included local MP Mr Mark Durkan of the SDLP. Politicians spent 8 minutes being questioned by small groups of students before rotating to the next group. This was a rewarding experience and pupils were able to ask more probing questions of the politicians.
Saint Mary’s students felt that this experience was highly valuable and they were in a privileged position to ask such in depth questions of our local political leaders. The event finished with students participating in mock election. The event was enjoyable and students left with a renewed political interest.
Miss N. Doherty
Head of History
Page last updated Mon 05 December 2011 17:06:45
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