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Posted on October 2nd 2020
Baroness Wheatcroft Meets HBAED Boys in House of Lords Virtual Visit
HBAED boys met Baroness Wheatcroft of the House of Lords online today.
It was part of a House of Lords programme that sees members taking part in virtual visits to schools and colleges across Greater London.
Kicking off Black History Month, 30 of our students interviewed Baroness Wheatcroft, asking asked a range of probing questions around equality and diversity, raising achievement, global warming, the police and gender issues.
We were all so proud of their professionalism... watch out parliament, the future politicians are likely to be from HBAED!
Baroness Wheatcroft said: "You are such engaged gentleman and I will tell you all this: take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way... even if it’s something you had not previously considered."
Students have been personally invited to visit Parliament once it has fully re-opened - an opportunity they’re all very much looking forward to!
What our boys said...
"I couldn’t believe somebody from The House of Lords answered my question! She was passionate about injustice and reassured us that people in Parliament were working hard behind the scenes to make the world better." Leyon
"We asked a question about ‘Stop and Search’ and all clapped when she answered!" David
"I researched her before as I wanted to hear her views about the environment. It was such a useful meeting!" Hector
Two way conversations
The virtual visits are part of the “Learn with the Lords Online” programme and encourage two-way conversations about the role and function of the House of Lords. As well as hearing the views of our boys on their perceptions of the House, Baroness Wheatcroft will also answer questions about other aspects of the work and role of Parliament.
"We're delighted to have this opportunity for our boys to learn about the work of the House," said Principal Peter Groves. "We're all about encouraging students to be Active Citizens. Understanding how democracy works is very important to that, so meeting Baroness Wheatcroft is a great opportunity."
Baroness Wheatcroft is a British journalist and life peeress, who was editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal Europe and previously editor of The Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
Lord Fowler, Speaker of the House of Lords, said: “It is vital we engage young people with the work of the House of Lords and help them understand our role. In the past, many members of the House have visited schools in person but that is difficult in the current circumstances."
