Barton Peveril Politics Student Invites Bishop of Winchester to College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College welcomed the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, who gave a lecture to students studying Politics, History and Religious Studies about the role of the Church of England in Politics and the work of Bishops in the House of Lords.
The Bishop of Winchester was invited to speak at the College by student Holly Catto, after she and her class become intrigued by the role of the House of Lords in Parliament during their studies in A Level Politics.
Bishop Tim explained to students that the Bishops form just 3.3% of the Lords, making up 26 of 779 members. He explained their role in contributing to the expert scrutiny of legislation put forward by Her Majesty’s Government. Bishop Tim illustrated this from his contribution, as lead bishop for Further and Higher Education, in the debate on the Higher Education and Research Bill. He called for Universities to be valued as a public good for the common good, and for their contribution to social cohesion in a global context. He also argued for a diversity in university provision in the widening of participation and enabling access to higher education.
“Thought-provoking”
Holly Catto, who formerly attended The King’s School, Fair Oak, spoke highly of the visit:
“The Bishop of Winchester’s talk was so interesting and I thought he had some thought-provoking answers to my questions and the questions of other students. The small lunch meeting afterwards with some students and teachers made for an interesting discussion of politics and role as the Bishop.”
Barton Peveril Principal Jonathan Prest also commented on the visit:
“Bishop Tim provided a fascinating insight to students, who study A Level Politics, History and Religious Studies, of life as a Bishop leading the seat of Winchester and also as a member of the House of Lords. He talked very engagingly and then answered a series of questions. We were extremely grateful to him for giving so much of his day to meeting Barton Peveril students.”
