Stamford School students get insight into BBC show Question Time

Sixth Form Drama and Politics students at Stamford Endowed Schools were given a unique chance to see behind the scenes of the show and were able to form their own Question Time panel alongside David Dimbleby for their own political debate. EMN-160129-123008001

The panel consisted of; transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin (Con), Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips (Lab), SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson, author and writer for The Independent Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and the chief executive officer of M&C Saatchi Moray MacLennan.

They tackled topical questions about the refugee crisis, large corporations avoiding high tax bills, the costs of transport and the EU referendum.

Earlier in the day the face of Question Time, David Dimbleby, spent time with sixth form politics students, where they had the chance to become panellists and take part in their own political debate.

The five student panellists had to field questions from their peers who were making up the audience.

The Question Time production team also worked with theatre studies students during the day and allowed them to tour their production trailers and the set.

This provided the students with a fascinating behind the scenes insight in to the making of the programme including the huge tasks of transporting and building the set each week.

The students then had the chance to speak to the director about their interests in programme production and tips on how to enter the industry.

Principal of the Endowed Schools Stephen Roberts said: “We were delighted to host BBC Question Time and to see in inner workings of the programme.

“The students had the opportunity to meet with David Dimbleby and to take part in the rehearsal as panellists and the audience. I am sure this experience will stay with them for a long time.”