Cullin Pangilinan, Year 12 School Parliament Representative and student correspondent at Hardenhuish School, reports on the school’s recent focus on politics and democracy
Over the past few months, Hardenhuish School in Chippenham has heavily engaged in the world of politics.
Hardenhuish already invests significantly in its student body through termly Year Council and School Parliament meetings (pictured above), as well as annual student-led fundraisers such as Charity Week.
The added celebrations of UK Parliament Week, events held by figures of local and national significance, and a school-wide election have allowed both students and teachers to gain an increasing understanding of politics and democracy.
Headteacher Lisa Percy said, “One of my priorities here at Hardenhuish School is that our School Parliament plays a key role in championing student voice and leading events that deepen the real involvement of pupil voice, as well as developing young people’s awareness of politics and democracy.
“It has been wonderful to see pupils from across our school getting involved in a range of engaging student-led events. These experiences are helping them to grow into responsible, active citizens and preparing them to contribute positively to our wider society in the future.”
Meeting the mayor and MP
From 24–30 November, Hardenhuish School celebrated UK Parliament Week, allowing students to learn more about the UK government. Activities included understanding election polls, virtually exploring the Houses of Parliament, and speaking to figures actively involved in political councils.
The first of these visitors was Chippenham Mayor Kathryn Macdermid, who delivered a talk about her involvement in the local area and how she was elected into the role. Students were invited to ask questions, many focusing on how to become more involved in politics and understanding the roles of people working within local councils.
Later in the week, students attended a talk from the MP for Chippenham and surrounding areas, Rt Hon Sarah Gibson. Students engaged in informative discussions about the foundations of Parliament and her current perspectives as an MP on key issues and announcements in the UK.
A student who attended both events commented, “It was a great experience to be able to ask people like our local MP and mayor questions about the UK government and the way it operates in our local area, in councils, and in Parliament.”
Listening to a Lord
January brought another opportunity for Hardenhuish School students to learn from someone with extensive experience in political affairs and government policy.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited the school to speak about her career, which has included serving as an executive director for Tesco internationally and holding government roles under the Prime Minister in the 1990s. Students heard first-hand about the many experiences that led to her role in the House of Lords today.
An A-Level student with a strong interest in politics reflected on the visit, saying, “I particularly enjoyed being able to speak with her on a personal level, including discussing future studies and career choices.”
Elections for Wiltshire Youth Council
Politics has continued to play a key role at Hardenhuish School. In February, students were given the opportunity to elect their representatives for the Wiltshire Youth Council.
The election proved extremely popular, with a record number of more than 500 votes cast.
Candidates presented manifestos outlining what they hoped to achieve and were encouraged to share their ideas with the school community during a hustings event, where they attempted to persuade fellow students to vote for them.
One of the candidates said, “I am really happy that my fellow peers engaged so positively with this election. I feel it is really important that young people recognise the work of those in their area and exercise their power to vote.”
Ultimately, the celebration of politics across a range of activities has helped Hardenhuish School continue to strengthen its community by empowering change through the voices of its students.
Schools interested in giving their pupils a voice through the Bath & Wiltshire Parent Student Correspondent scheme can find out more and get involved here: https://thebathandwiltshireparent.co.uk/2026/01/baths-biggest-magazine-launches-student-correspondent-roles-for-secondary-schools/
