Lessons at 10 Downing Street

Clevedon School students were one of the first schools in the country to be invited to visit Number 10 Downing Street to take part in their new ‘Lessons at 10’ programme on Friday 11th October. Our House Captains joined A ‘Level Politics, Philosophy and Law students for this unique opportunity to gain a glimpse into what happens behind the famous Number 10 door.

Clevedon students were put at ease by the members of the Number 10 household team. They greeted us warmly and shared insights of the incredible Art that surrounded them whilst students enjoyed a generous reception in the beautiful Terracotta Room. A busy schedule of events had been organised, this included a Politics lesson, a fascinating Q&A with key government advisors and a tour of the infamous building.

The Great State Dining Room, famous for dining world leaders and its use for Covid briefings was turned into our classroom for the morning. As the painting of George I looked down upon our students, Mr Cullen and Mr Davis delivered a Politics lesson that focussed on the function of Number 10. Students learnt about key members of the cabinet and staff and were able to question and evaluate where power really lies in the UK.

Our students were gripped by the incredible Q&A session that the Number 10 Staff had set up for them. Here they were able to explore the working lives of key media and defence advisors to the Prime Minister. The students were enthralled by what they heard and didn’t hesitate with their sharp and brilliant questioning. Mr Davies and Mrs Murray found it especially interesting to hear the very different career paths that had taken that had led them to these fascinating jobs.

During the 4 hour visit our students had a unique and firsthand insight into the role of the Prime Minister and No 10 at the very centre of government. We learned how executive power flows through Secretaries of State in charge of departments like the Home Office and Ministry of Defence enabling them to run the country on a day-to-day basis, and the crucial role that parliament plays in holding every government to account, as well as debating and voting in the new legislation needed to keep pace with societal change and for Prime Minister’s to deliver against their agenda.

The students saw where history meets the present day, visiting the famous Cabinet Rooms where generations of Prime Ministers have convened their top ministers to discuss the issues of the day. Here 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 (COBR) are used to convene meetings that aid urgent national decision making in times of crisis, from responding to pandemics to terrorist attacks.

The staff at Number 10 were not short of fascinating anecdotes. We learnt how King George I had created the role equivalent to Prime Minister because he needed an English speaker so gifted Number 10 to Robert Warpole. We also heard that it is the right of every Prime Minister to leave two books in the bookshelf in the cabinet room. One recent Prime Minister had left books on Artificial Intelligence and Clarkson’s Farm. Meanwhile, in addition to her own biographies, Margaret Thatcher had left engraved thatched symbols on the ceiling of cabinet room and Harold Wilson added a second clock so ministers wouldn’t have to look behind to watch the time during a lengthy meeting. Students commented that it was better than any museum they had visited. Not only did they see masterpieces from the world of Art, they also saw many priceless objects that had been gifted to Number 10 over time, moon rock being a definite highlight.

Head of Politics, Mark Cullen added, “This trip really brought our course to life, with students fully appreciating the significance of where they were not least as President Zelinsky had been in the same very rooms the day before. We have had a unique experience and which proves the interest and importance of engaging students with the political processes of this country.”

Organiser of the visit, Assistant Headteacher Emma Norman said, ”This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one which will remain with students for ever. 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.”