Last night (Thursday, 14 December), the AP Comparative Government class participated in a simulation of a House of Commons debate in the fabulously refurbished Study Hall. The atmosphere was formal and even a bit unruly as the debate heated up; much like the actual House of Commons. Students researched their assigned party positions on four different topics and were familiar with opposing parties’ stances for rebuttal. The leaders of their respective parties were Will (Labour), Amar (Liberal Democrats , and Ana (Conservatives). The debate commenced with the topic of Scottish Independence, followed by proposed reforms in the National Health Service and the House of Lords. The debate was lively and heated as students argued their positions and supported their stances with evidence. The grand finale was a simulated “Question Time” in which the Prime Minister, Ana, was questioned by other MPs about Britain’s participation in the European Union and whether continued membership would be detrimental to the U.K.

The students debriefed the simulation in class today (Friday, 12/15) while enjoying tea and delicious scones that were baked for them by our wonderful and very talented pastry chef Robin. Students enjoyed that everyone was involved in the debate and it provided them with a better understanding of the issues and Parliamentary proceedings. Students were assess upon their preparation, level of participation during the proceedings, character (dress and “Brit speak”) and required “fact sheet.”