‘Prime Minister in the making’ initiative at Oakham School, Rutland

The Politics & International Relations Department at Oakham School, Rutland, approached Barrow Hepburn & Gale for a facsimile Despatch Box to use as an educational aide. As a result of lengthy discussions between the department & the company, the department was delighted to receive the loan of an official Despatch Box (Red Box) & a Prime Minister’s Official Briefing Folder. The initiative is intended to help educate & inspire pupils at Oakham School about the British political system & values.

Pupils at Oakham School

The officially marked items are to be used creatively in the classroom alongside the replica Number 10 door & cardboard cut-outs of recent prime ministers; all helping to bring to life British politics during lessons & debates at the school.

Laurence Ward, Head of Politics & International Relations explained, “The school is very keen to instil a love of learning in our students & I had been searching for similar items to purchase, before approaching the official supplier, Barrow Hepburn & Gale.”

The company was initially reluctant to get involved. However, the more they learned of the work of the department, they decided to support the innovative approach. Discussions with Mr Ward prompted additional ideas to help make use of the loaned items. This led to the launching of an essay writing competition. For the inaugural competition the pupils have been set the question, ‘What would you do if you were Prime Minister?’

Barrow Hepburn & Gale will judge the entries. The company will present three prizes of book tokens – a major prize to the overall winner & two minor prizes to each of the runners up. All three prizes are sponsored & paid for by the company.

Mr Ward said,

“We are humbled to receive the generous support. It helps us shine an important light on the British political system & the international community. Our students love using the items and have responded to the competition with great enthusiasm.”