On Friday 17th October, we were delighted to welcome our local MP, Kit Malthouse, to Rookwood School for an engaging and thought-provoking visit.
Mr Malthouse spoke to pupils about his role in Parliament and how the government works before opening the floor to a lively Q&A session. Our pupils rose to the occasion, asking a range of thoughtful and insightful questions, including whether he ever imagined, when he was younger, that he would one day become an MP.
In response, Mr Malthouse encouraged pupils to get involved in causes they care about, explaining that politics can be a rewarding way to make a difference. He also emphasised the importance of staying informed about political issues, given their impact on everyday life.
Discussions ranged from the responsibilities of being an MP to the question of whether 16 is the right age to vote – which prompted plenty of laughter when one pupil remarked that her 16-year-old brother “can’t even decide what to have for dinner!”
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the visit and were left with plenty to think about:
“I thought it was quite interesting to hear his thoughts on his job. It helps me realise that it is not an easy job as you have tons of emails and paperwork to deal with.” Darcy P
“I found it really interesting because we heard lots of interesting things about his job. I loved the story about the mice of Westminster!” Harriet B
“It was really cool how he described the Houses of Parliament and the interesting facts about his job. It was amazing to hear about his story and journey to becoming an MP. ” Dolcie V
It was a fascinating session that gave our pupils a valuable glimpse into the world of politics and public service. Many thanks to Mr Malthouse for taking the time to visit Rookwood, share his experiences, and inspire our pupils to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.