Forest pupils join in 'Takeover Day'
Friday 11th November was the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover day 2011. Takeover Day gives children and young people the chance to work with adults for the day and be involved in decision-making. Children benefit from the opportunity to experience the world of work and make their voices heard, while adults and organisations gain a fresh perspective on what they do.
This year Forest pupils had the opportunity to shadow the daily activities of a councilor and to comprehend their task in maintaining the welfare of their constituency and the designated area as a whole.
In this example the area was West Sussex and I, Daniel Welch along with Henry Messenger and Roberto Salvia were lucky enough – as representatives for our school community – to be permitted to take part in this fantastic opportunity.
Enriching it was indeed as we were due to follow the West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Peter Evans, and the Fire and Safety Councillor, Margaret Whitehead.
We began our trip in the local Council Chambers, learning seating for all the cabinet members and being allowed to sit in the Supreme Chair’s chair. Furthermore we also visited Ede’s house which is a Grade 1 listed property opposite the Council Chambers with just over a million invested in its simple redecoration! We were lucky enough to see in the base of this house, where there is a TV studio used to make short broadcasts and updates on local television (although we were told that broadcasts were more often produced outside for better quality).
Our second stop was the Chichester University graduation ceremony involving many coloured mortar boards and a poet called Jo Sharpcott. Jo gave us the pleasure of listening to one of her poems in honour of the fellowship that she had been awarded and in recognition of the achievements of the students. The poem was called “Tom and Jerry” a cat’s perspective of the perpetual failure to catch the long sought after mouse.
After the ceremony the Councillors took us to a Firebreak display where young people who required a little more confidence building were taking part. The display was very good, with the young people saving a “damsel-in-distress” from a burning drill tower. We were also permitted to look around the Worthing fire station as part of the tour, which helped us understand the inner workings of this distinguished branch of the emergency services.
After the Firebreak event we progressed to the ‘Special Cabinet Restaurant’ (AKA McDonalds) for lunch. After lunch we visited the Sussex Police Authority in Lewes who governs the actions of the Chief of Police.
It was a busy, eventful and very enjoyable day. We went home tired but full of new knowledge. We were also given a lovely plaque in recognition of the day that will take pride of place within our school trophy cabinet.
We all highly enjoyed the trip and are very grateful to all who made this possible, and who answered our many questions. We would highly recommend any young person to grab the chance to participate in ‘Takeover Day’ if they get the opportunity.
Written by Daniel Welch – Year 9 pupil
