Alastair Campbell visited Waldegrave School to speak about why it is important for young people to have an opinion about what is happening in the world. 

Alastair spoke to A-Level and Year 10 students as well as representatives from the Student Parliament on 24 January. 

To some Alastair Campbell needs no introduction from his early days as a newspaper journalist, to his political roles during Tony Blair's leadership of the Labour party and as an author of over 18 books, several written about mental health. 

He is also part of the duo along with Rory Stewart that presents the highly successful podcast 'The Rest Is Politics'. 

Alistair Campbell with Waldegrave staff. (Photo: Supplied)

Alastair shared some insightful lessons about his life, his opinions on the current state of the world and the political landscape we are living in, particularly the issues facing the UK going into this election year.

Alastair said he is a huge advocate for state schools and cares about the future of education in the UK. This was clearly demonstrated with the enthusiasm he put into the talks to Waldegrave students. He was influenced by his own German teacher at school, who he described as 'inspirational', which fuelled his love of languages. 

Alastair asked the students about what really mattered to them with answers ranging from the environment, sustainability, improvement in the NHS, mental health services, University fees, the education system, racism and equality.

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Ms. Tongue, Headteacher at Waldegrave School said: "In a year when nearly half of the world's population will be involved in elections, it was wonderful to hear from such a passionate advocate of democracy. 

"Alastair's empowering talk about young women who have recently changed society like Greta Thunberg and Gina Martin really inspired our students who were all eager to get a copy of the many books that he so generously donated to the students."

Year 8 student Florence asking Alistair Campbell questions. (Photo: Supplied)

Year 8 student Florence was lucky enough to get the opportunity to ask Alastair some questions between talks about his experiences and opinions.

Questions included: why less women are going into politics, how has politics changed since he was in it, and what ways does he think the government could improve mental health for young people?

Florence said: "It was great to have a conversation with someone whose political career I have admired and who shares similar views as me on politics and other issues facing the world today."

 Alastair answered some very thought-provoking questions from the students that included everything from his own mental health struggles, how he started out in media, politics across the world and what will happen in the election this year.

Mr Joshua Parker, Teacher of Social Sciences who organised the visit said: "It was truly brilliant to hear from such an inspiring individual, but as a teacher, there's nothing quite as fulfilling as witnessing your students focused, motivated, and fully engaged in shaping a brighter future."

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