Year six pupils from Willaston School swapped the classroom for the chamber of the House of Keys for one morning to gain an insight into Manx parliamentary proceedings.
25 students took part in a scripted tour arranged by the chamber and information service as part of Tynwald’s educational outreach programme. The visit began with a tour of the Legislative Buildings before the House of Keys sitting which saw pupils assume the roles of members and the presiding officer and also make the acquaintance of outreach bear ‘Tynwald Ted’, Secretary of the House for the morning’s proceedings.
Questions for oral answer included Treasury to consider a pocket money allowance for every child in the Isle of Man, while the Abolition of Homework Bill received its second reading.
‘Madam Speaker’ was Lucy Callow, 11, who said: ‘It was really interesting to see what happens, especially the different roles there are, ’ while ‘Treasury Minister’ Aalish Kissack, 10, observed: ‘I didn’t know very much about parliament before I came today…but now I’ve an idea what goes on, and that was really good.’
Reflecting on the tour year six teacher Mary Thompson said: ‘The tour has really opened our eyes to what happens in the three chambers, how the voting system works and the role of MHKs.
‘The experience of a scripted tour not only provides an opportunity for the children to learn about the Manx parliament, but it also helps to build confidence in speaking in formal language in a public place. It’s been a fantastic insight and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who made it possible.’
Tours can be arranged by contacting the Tynwald Library, library@tynwald.org.im, 685520.
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