STUDENTS at a west Cumbrian school have been learning about parliament and the government to coincide with the upcoming election.

Year 6 students from St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Workington have been getting to grips with how Westminster works, using educational artefacts borrowed from the Houses of Parliament.

The school wanted pupils to understand the legislative process, how it is created and updated as the main function of parliament.

Students also heard about the process that leads a bill to become law and even got the chance to present and debate their own bill.

Pupils presented ‘The School Holiday Bill’ to a mock parliament last week, divided into the opposition’s shadow cabinet and the government.

St Gregory’s mock parliament was made up of: Kai McKenzie, Lewis O’Fee, Isabelle Pears, Kyla Scott, Jayden Penrice and Lexie Spencer.

Lewis O’Fee, 11, took on the role of the Speaker, ensuring that students followed the etiquette of the House of Commons’ debating rules.

Lexie Spencer, 11, said: “I have learnt many new things but one of the most interesting is about the red sword line, in the House of Commons traditionally to prevent MPs attacking each other during heated arguments.

Aspiring politician Isabelle Pears, 10, said: “When I am older I will be more confident to propose my own bill.”

A school spokesman said: “The experience has been generally beneficial in helping the pupils to understand the voting system.

“They have given time to formulate their own opinions, expressing them in a mature and coherent manner.

They said: “It has encouraged pupils to realise that their voice is recognised and important, gaining an understanding of what living in a democracy means.”

They said: “Pupils have been able to relate this experience to how our school council is run.”

St Gregory’s students will be ready for General Election night which takes place on December 12.

All UK citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote. The deadline to register as a voter is 11.59pm on November 26.