Clevedon School students were among the first in the country to visit Number 10 Downing Street to participate in the new ‘Lessons at 10’ programme and discover what happens behind the world-famous black door.
The students took part in a busy schedule of events, including a politics lesson, a fascinating Q&A with key government advisors, and a building tour.
The Great State Dining Room, famous for dining world leaders and its use for COVID briefings, was turned into our classroom for the morning. Under a portrait of George I, Mr Cullen and Mr Davis delivered a lesson about the function of Number 10. Students learnt about key cabinet and staff members and were able to question and evaluate where power really lies in the UK.
The Number 10’s staff’s Q&A Session gripped the students. They explored the working lives of the Prime Minister’s key media and defence advisors. The students were enthralled and didn’t hesitate to ask sharp and brilliant questions.
The students had a first hand insight into the Prime Minister’s and No 10’s role at the very centre of government. They learned how executive power flows through Secretaries of State in charge of departments like the Home Office and Ministry of Defence. They discovered the crucial role that Parliament plays in holding every government to account, as well as debating and voting on new legislation.
The students visited the Cabinet Rooms, where generations of Prime Ministers have convened their top ministers to discuss the day’s issues. Students experienced the process of decision-making. They also heard how strategy is developed in forums like the National Security Council and how the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms are used to convene meetings that aid urgent national decision-making.
The Number 10 staff were full of fascinating anecdotes, including how every Prime Minister has the right to leave two books on the cabinet room’s bookshelf. One recent Prime Minister had left books on Artificial Intelligence and Clarkson’s Farm. In addition to her biographies, Margaret Thatcher had left engraved thatched symbols on the ceiling of the Cabinet Room. Harold Wilson added a second clock so ministers wouldn’t have to look behind to watch the time during a lengthy meeting.
Number 10 was better than any museum the students had visited. They saw masterpieces from the world of art and many priceless gifts, with moon rock being a highlight.
Clevedon School’s Head of Politics, Mark Cullen, commented, ‘Students fully appreciated the significance of where they were, not least because President Zelenskyy had been in the same very rooms the day before. We had a unique experience that engaged students with the political processes of this country.”
The visit organiser and Assistant Headteacher, Emma Norman, said, ‘This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one which will remain with students forever. It was a privilege to see the inner workings of our Government and experience what happens behind that famous door. It certainly engaged our students, and the questions they asked were excellent. We were very proud that the Downing Street staff commented that the students were ‘brilliant’.’
