ST CYRES Year 12 students recently visited the home of Welsh democracy, the Senedd. Student Shaneera Islam said following the visit:

“During our trip to the Senedd we went to the debating chamber, in which we debated two issues. The first issue was: ‘Is putting everyone automatically onto the organ donor list a good idea?’

“The second issue was whether or not the Welsh government should keep paying part of Welsh students’ university fees. Whilst in the debating room, we learnt that the presiding officer who oversaw all the debates was Rosemary Butler.”

She added: “Labour has the majority of seats, holding 30 of the 60 available. In the new debating room there are viewing spaces for the public to watch any debates, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.30pm-6pm. In the new debating area the members are all facing each other and have computers to complete any work while debating.

“Also in the new debating room we saw a gift donated to the Welsh Assembly from New South Wales in Australia, it looks like a golden trumpet, and must always be in the debating chamber for a debate to take place as it represents the power of the Queen and the only time it isn’t needed is when she is present. We found out that the building is mainly made of Welsh materials, such as the slate in the front of the building, and is eco-friendly.”

The visit was a great success with students enjoying themselves and learning a good deal about devolved politics in Wales.