IT’S an issue which ignites fierce debate, divides public opinion and this week the contentious topic of whether homework should be banned was argued by young people who gathered for a special sitting of “parliament”.

The “house” sat for two sessions guided by Madame and Mr Speaker, with pupils at Ladybridge School taking on the role of MPs to debate the “contentious” issues.

Applause and “hear hear” could be heard as the eloquent young people put forward arguments for and against keeping homework.

Ali-Hassan Asghar, aged 10, said: “We already do 32-and-a-half hours a week in school and then we have to do work at home which leaves us no time for a break.”

Charlotte Bird, also 10, added: “Homework helps you to do better in your work, which means you will get good GCSEs and be able to get a good job.”

The House of Commons debate was facilitated by parliament’s education service which works with schools and Members of both Houses to support young people in developing their understanding of parliament and democracy.

It ties in with and supports political literacy and citizenship education requirements of the national curriculum, and also includes visits to parliament, workshops and educational resources for students and teachers.

And the idea is to bring parliament to life for young people in their own schools, with Wendy Lavin, regional outreach officer, visiting schools in Bolton to help them see what Parliament and democracy means to them.

Mrs Lavin said: “There are a lot of disaffected voters not engaged with the political process, and we want to get to young people involved early and show them they have a voice and understand that they can make changes, and appreciate the democratic process.

"Some young people don’t realise that they can contact their MP — there is a perception MPs just sit in London, but they are there to represent their constituents, including young people. It is important to know that they have a voice.”

The youngsters learned about parliament, how it works, its traditions and history.

She added:”The children were just fantastic. Their arguments for and against were really good — and they did very well.”

Ali-Hassan said: “It was interesting to learn about parliament, and the debate was fun. We all came up with good points in the debate.”

Charlotte added: “I think I would like to be an MP, I didn’t know much about what they did, but they have to make important decisions.”

Headteacher Colin Watson said: “The children have been taking part in debates and activities which, as well as developing their understanding and knowledge of the political process, are also helping to develop the skills.”

Next year a new parliamentary education centre will be opening and will run a range of workshops to inspire young people and get them “excited about their parliament”.

During parliament week, from November 17 to 21 the parliament’s education service is inviting schools who have never before visited parliament to take part in its education programmes.

Eligible schools can also benefit from parliament’s transport subsidy and receive a reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of their travel costs.

Older students can take part in debating workshops or find out about rights and representation in parliament past, present and future, whilst younger students can take part in an exciting new adventurer’s tour or re-enact the state opening of parliament.

For details visit parliament.uk/november visits