On Thursday 24th November Ashlawn School hosted its second current affairs question time debate. The topic in question was press freedom in light of the Leveson inquiry, and on the panel were 2 students from school plus important members of the local community. Rugby MP Mark Pawsey was present to give his views, plus Simon Steele, editor of the Rugby Advertiser, came along to represent t the local press. Student panellists Luke Markahm and Emily Stirling articulately and enthusiastically gave their opinions and Deputy Head Emily Gent completed the panel.

During the debate, students from years 8, 11,12 and 13 got the chance to put forward their views and listen to responses from the panellists. Sometimes lively, several issues were discussed, particularly the phone hacking scandal and the recent ‘super injunctions’. All the panellists had clear views and demonstrated that this is an issue at the heart of British democracy. Also with the audience, many of whom will be taking their General Studies AS exam in the spring, was Ashlawn Chair of Governors John Moore.