Haybridge High School and Sixth Form, Hagley, is hosting a heavyweight political debate on Friday 12th July. Students, staff, families and local community members will be welcoming five high profile politicians and academics to the ‘Your Questions’ event aimed at firing young people’s enthusiasm to take part in democratic life.

The high profile and experienced panel includes the former Home Secretary Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith (Lab), Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove (Cons.), Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, Cllr. Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Cllr. Rachel Jenkins, Clent Hills (Independent).

Sixth Form students at Haybridge (pictured) have devised a number of challenging questions about the economy, job prospects and educational reform to kick-start the evening while the school website allows the public to pose their own questions to be read on the night by the questioner. Community Projects Coordinator for Haybridge, Michael Conroy Harris, says “We are really pleased with the line up. We hope that the event acts as a catalyst for our young people to take part in life as active citizens - asking questions and being well-informed.”

Political Literacy has enjoyed a growing profile in recent years at Haybridge, with visits to UN headquarters in Geneva and several meetings with members of the House of Lords and MP's complementing studies in Citizenship and Economics. For the last two years students have taken part in the European Youth Parliament UK debates, along with schools from across the midlands.  

 For further information on the panel please visit the ‘Your Questions’ section of the school website www.haybridge.worcs.sch.uk

The event starts at 1830, when doors open for refreshments, including a licensed bar and the debate itself will run from 1900 until 2030. Proceeds from tickets (priced at £1 for students and OAP's, £2.50 for adults and £4 for a family ticket for four people) will go the Sixth Form's nominated charity - Birmingham Teenage Cancer Trust.