A group of six Year 8 & 9 pupils represented Sandhill View at the annual ‘State of the City Debate’ at the City Council Chambers. The debate, which each year invites some of the best students from the Sunderland area, is designed to give young people the opportunity to discuss topics which are considered important to them, and which have been voted for by a council of their peers. This year the issues on the agenda were: The environment, knife crime, mental health, hate crime, and votes at 16. 

Representing Sandhill View were Beth-Anne Coxon, Jessica Langton and Michael Laing, Jamie-Leigh Anderson, Ellie Maddison and Amelia Richardson. All six students showed exactly how impressive pupils from our school can be, demonstrating exceptional behaviour and conduct throughout, and contributing effectively and with passion in every single area of the debate.

Indeed, so impressive was the students’ application and attitude at all times, that they even caught the attention of Sunderland’s Mayoress, Dianne Snowdon, speaking eloquently and articulately with her about a number of significant issues affecting young people before the debate began. Needless to say, she was very impressed.