Ballyclare High pupils in House of Lords debate

Outside the House of Lords are Ballyclare High pupils (from left) Lauren Hill; Anna Montgomery; Stuart Wilson; India Barr and Jonny Gilpin who were in London for a debate in the House of Lords. INNT 50-450-CON

India and Jonny Gilpin formed part of the Northern Ireland team participating in the inter-generational Lord Chamber debate.

The debate brought into question decision-making in a digital society.

Participants considered ‘Parliament 2.0: in a digital society’, asking whether politics is for politicians or is everyone a decision maker?

Jonny said: “The team are going to grab the opportunity with both hands,it is great to have achieved this success which has come from our strong interest in politics.”

Mr Waring, a teacher at Ballyclare High School, added: “We were delighted to be a part of this prestigious event. Politics is a popular A-level subject at our school.

“Our pupils always enjoy the ever- challenging world of politics and this is an extension of their work in the area.

“The Lords Chamber event involved 240 participants from schools across the UK, five of whom are from Ballyclare High School, these being India and Jonny as well as Lauren Hill, Anna Montgomery and Stewart Wilson.

“Our students were invited to take part in the highly-regarded event after their performance at an earlier regional debate in the University of Ulster.

The Lords Chamber debate is part of the House of Lords outreach programme that aims to raise awareness of the role and work of the Lords and the future of the Lords itself.

The event is available on the Lords YouTube channel.