Posted: Monday 30 January 2012
Minister of State inspired by Hutchesons' presentation
Here teacher Mr Clarke, shares the story of the Hutchesons' j8 group prize trip to London:
It is the underlying aim of Hutchie's j8 groups to draw attention to inequalities in health, wealth and education around the world and especially to gain the ear of the politicians and other people with the power to address these inequalities.
Last Thursday in the grand setting of the Locarno Hall in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, members of S5j8 had a rare opportunity, as a result of their outstanding competition entry.
They were given the opportunity to give a presentation on the importance of the Millennium Development Goals to Foreign Office staff including Lord Howell, the Minister of State.
"Terrific, quite inspiring" was how Lord Howell described the pupils' presentation before taking part in a discussion with them and Foreign Office staff on some of the issues raised.
Sarra Levinson described giving their presentation in front of lawyers, foreign office officials and specialists as "a little intimidating" but "a once in a lifetime experience." Josh Lewis echoed those sentiments and also commented on the mock debate in the afternoon as "a valuable and enjoyable experience".
