Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College student spends two days at Westminster

Sam Young a student studying A2 Law, Sociology and Business at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College in North Shields, spent two days during half term shadowing Andy Burnham MP, the Shadow Health Secretary at the Palace of Westminster and Portcullis House.

In April this year Andy Burnham MP in his role as Shadow Education Secretary was quizzed by the next generation of voters at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College in North Shields. The Labour Politician was joined by Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth and Opposition Deputy Chief Whip, to take part in a debate with A Level students from Queen Alexandra and vocational students from TyneMet College.

The lively session was well received by the college students and many were eager to continue the conversation with the Shadow Education Secretary after the session closed. One of the students who stayed behind was Sam Young and it was during a discussion he had with Andy Burnham MP that Sam was invited to Westminster to shadow Andy Burnham MP in his new role as Shadow Health Secretary.

Sam was thrilled to have been invited and his visit to Westminster took place during the last half term. On his first day Sam was given a tour of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), he visited the Houses of Lords and Commons and was also given access to the private rooms underneath the Houses where the MPs have their administration departments. One of the tasks Sam was asked to perform was to look over Committee Papers and search for quotes, one of the quotes Sam identified was actually used in a speech given in the House of Commons by the Shadow Health Secretary on the second day of Sam’s visit. Sam was also asked to help out the administration staff by doing some other office tasks like checking and sorting mail.

Sam said:
"This was a fantastic experience for me; I am interested in Politics and Andy Burnham MP was very interesting to talk to, I felt as though he was really listening to my point of view and was amazed when he invited me to shadow him at Westminster."

Denise Bolton, Head of Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, said:
"We will continue to hold debates and events like the one in April, it is important that the students get an understanding of Politics in their region and also get an insight in to what is happening nationally. We encourage students to take part in these extracurricular events so that they can discuss first hand any issues or concerns for their future that they may have.

Sam had a fantastic two days at Westminster, it was an opportunity that few students are offered, I would like to thank Andy Burnham MP for facilitating this visit, Sam will be able to add this experience to his CV and personal statement which will help him when applying for a job or to University."

For further information regarding A Level courses contact a student advisor on 0191 229 5123, email enquiries@queenalex.co.uk