Students from Small Heath Leadership Academy welcomed a visit from The Rt Hon. the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE on March 15, 2024, providing a unique opportunity to discuss pressing community issues. Senior student leaders engaged in an interactive session, addressing their concerns and aspirations for change. This visit highlighted the importance of youth engagement in politics and the value of their voices in shaping local and national conversations.
During the visit, Lord Hunt led an assembly for students in Years 7 and 8, focusing on fundamental concepts such as democracy, decision-making, and the legislative process. The assembly encouraged pupils to think critically about the political landscape and inspired them to ask insightful questions about how their city and country are governed. The enthusiasm displayed by the students underscored their desire to understand and influence the political sphere.
The event was organized through Learn with the Lords, an educational initiative by the UK Parliament designed to facilitate direct engagement between young people and members of the House of Lords. This initiative aims to demystify the workings of democracy and empower students to participate actively in societal discussions.
Ashley Dye, Assistant Principal at Small Heath Leadership Academy, expressed pride in the students’ confidence and engagement. “We are incredibly proud of how confidently our pupils shared their views and engaged with such important issues, and we are very grateful to Lord Hunt for taking the time to visit and listen to them,” Dye stated. “Opportunities like this show that what they say matters and that they can play a meaningful role in shaping what comes next.”
The visit not only allowed students to voice their opinions but also reinforced the school’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and civic awareness. By linking classroom education with real-world political experiences, the academy emphasized the significance of youth voices in shaping future dialogues.
This engagement serves as a reminder that young people are already playing an important role in the discussions that will define their communities. The session with Lord Hunt illustrated how educational initiatives can bridge the gap between youth and political leadership, fostering a generation that is informed, engaged, and ready to contribute to democratic processes.
