College of North West London students debate hot issues with new principal

Long before the world was gripped to the inauguration of President Barack Obama, students at the College of North West London were setting up their first student parliament.

During their first meeting earlier this year student Johann Whittaker, 30, from Willesden, acted as chairman and invited students to discuss issues and put questions to the College principal Vicki Fagg.

The next meeting will be on March 4 when 17-year-old home interiors student David Campbell, from Neasden, will act as chairman. David is this year's Student's Union secretary and is also a member of Brent Youth Parliament.

Mercy Udoh, who helped to set up the parliament and works at the college, said: "It really is a good way of getting a wider number of students to participate in their college learning and have the opportunity to voice feedback on their learning experience and environment.

"Later we hope to expand it to include clubs and societies and other groups representing the three college centres in Willesden, Wembley Park and Kilburn."

Principal Vicki Fagg thinks the parliament is a good chance for students to voice their opinions about the college's services.

She said: "Principal's Question Time is only one item on the agenda. The rest is about them, to help them learn to debate. We hope they focus on what the college is doing well and what we could do better so they generate ideas for further improvement."