A Lesson in Democracy: Steve Race MP Visits West Exe School

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, welcomed Steve Race MP for a visit to see the school in action on Friday the 4th of October.

Mr Race was elected as the MP for the Exeter constituency at the last general election, prior to that he had worked for Ben Bradshaw MP.  He stated during the election campaign that one of his priorities was fighting for the best start in life for Exeter’s children.

Headteacher Julie Fossey and Deputy Headteacher for Community and Education Joe Bispham, welcomed Mr Race to West Exe School and they had a meeting to discuss how the school is developing their community relationships. 

The school’s head prefects, Stanley and Ella and two other prefects Mia and Harry,  then acted as Mr Race’s tour guides.  They showed him all around the school site whilst discussing topics from how social media impacts young people to cooking.

Mr Race spoke to the students about the curriculum and their thoughts on it and in turn they informed him about everything that is on offer at West Exe School.  He was particularly interested to hear about the school’s literary canon offer, where by the time they leave students will have read 25 thought-provoking and hopefully, life changing books during tutor time that will bring depth, colour and culture to their lives.

He also heard all about the school’s electives programme, which takes place once a week as part of their curriculum.  Students select courses that interest them and then have the opportunity to learn different skills which will help them  in their career and employment journey.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Race MP to West Exe School; we always had a warm relationship with his predecessor, Ben, and look forward to seeing more of Mr Race in the future.  I am so proud of the prefects that showed him around; he mentioned how impressed he was with them and how articulate and passionate they were about their school community.”  

Steve Race MP said:

“Thanks to the West Exe staff and particularly the four student prefects who took the time to show me around the school. The students were exceptionally articulate and knowledgeable about the school, and clearly enjoyed their time learning. I’m absolutely convinced that all of them will go on to great things. Ensuring that every young person in Exeter had the opportunity to reach their potential is really important to me, and we’re fortunate to have brilliant schools and teaching staff in the city, like at West Exe, to help make that possible.”