Headmaster's address in Assembly - 2 November 2009

Last Friday the UK Youth Parliament met in the House of Commons. As he welcomed the MYP’s (Members of Youth Parliament), John Bercow, The Commons’ Speaker, hailed the event as an “historic occasion”.

Mr. Bercow told the 12-18 year olds that they were the first body of pupils, other than Members of Parliament themselves, to debate in the Chamber.

Mr. Bercow, who, incidentially, visited RHS 18 months ago, opened the debate with the traditional call of “order, order!” before praising the Youth Parliament for its inclusivity. He mentioned that 50% of the parliament was female, 22% of the delegates were from ethnic minorities and 3% of the MYPs had disabilities. He went on to say “all of those statistics are better than we have in our real parliament”. Harriet Harman, the Leader of the Commons, also welcomed the 300+ delegates.

University education, youth crime, transport, the economy and lowering the voting age were the major topics of debate with the final one, lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, emerging as the issue identified as being of most interest. I understand that the Youth Parliament will be lobbying the government on the matter.

It’s good to know that we have a youth parliament and that there are young people engaging in the democratic process. I wouldn’t wish to push you one way or the other politically speaking, but I make no excuse for saying to you all that you should take an interest in the political process and you should engage in our great democracy, not necessarily by joining the UK Youth Parliament, but by keeping abreast of current affairs and also, when the time comes, by exercising your right to vote.

At a more parochial level, i.e. here at school, there are plenty of opportunities for you to express your views. We have School and House councils, we have a Food Committee, and we also have LOBs for those of you who wish to push the boundaries or express your views in a somewhat more scurrilous manner. You can also express your views less formally to your tutor or Housemaster or Housemistress, or indeed anyone else at RHS, and what you say is given consideration even if you may not always get what you want.

And to illustrate the point I would like to give some feedback this morning to the recent Year 9 and Sixth Form School Council meetings.

The Year 9 School Council suggested that Saturday break at 20 minutes is too short. I agree - it will be extended to 30 minutes with immediate effect. Mr. Lockwood will confirm arrangements. The Year 9 Council also raised the issue of scholars, suggesting that sports scholars, including sailing scholars and music scholars, should receive badges of recognition just like academic scholars. I agree and I will ask Mr. Hardman and Mr. Crompton to come up with some ideas. Finally, the Year 9 Council raised the issue of photographs being taken by a professional photographer at the beginning of the year. I agree with this one too - it is a very good idea and will be implemented at the beginning of next year.

The Sixth Form Council raised a number of issues relating to academic matters. I am delighted that academic affairs were discussed at the Council meeting, and I am sure that Mrs. Godfrey will follow them up. The Sixth Form Council also suggested that the Trafalgar Room should be made available to Sixth formers after prep in the evening. This is also a good idea, and I trust that Mrs. Godfrey will raise the matter with the Senior House Staff.

The Sixth Form Council also requested that away matches should not be scheduled on quiet weekends. I understand the sentiment, but shuffling long-established fixtures is not easy and RHS remains a full boarding school in both its ethos and modus operandi. I am therefore not prepared to pursue this matter. Finally, the Sixth Form Council also requested that there should be some leniency on rules regarding girls’ hair in the Sixth Form. This matter is raised periodically, and my position remains unchanged - I am not prepared to relax the rules in this respect - sorry to disappoint you.

Well done to all those of you who contribute to various House and School councils and other committees; your efforts are appreciated, and your ideas are given proper consideration. If you would like to get involved, then please put yourself forward.