Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

County students scoop seats to hear Hillary Clinton speak at festival

Students and school children from all over Gloucestershire have scored seats to hear Hillary Clinton speak at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Youngsters from schools in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean have been given tickets to attend the much-anticipated event at The Centaur on October 15 by sponsors the University of Gloucestershire.

Journalism students from the university have also been invited to attend the talk, in which the 2016 US presidential candidate and former secretary of state discuss her memoir What Happened.

Tickets for the event sold out in less than an hour when they went on sale to the public, who clamoured to hear Mrs Clinton talk candidly about coping with a "shocking and devastating loss" after losing to Republican Donald Trump who became the 45th US president of the United States. She will also reflect on her experience of being the first female presidential candidate from a major US party.

The university's Media School will challenge the pupils from schools across Gloucestershire to write a 300-word news report after the event which will be entered into a competition. The winner will receive a special prize and framed copies of their entry to take back to their home and school.

Some of the journalism students will have the opportunity to attend the event as members of the press and report on the event in the same way as the rest of the local, national and international media.

Anne Dawson, head of the School of Media at the University of Gloucestershire said: "To be directly involved in hosting one of the world's most significant politicians, a woman who challenged for the leadership of the more powerful nation in the western world, is an extraordinary opportunity for our students.

"We are delighted too, as part of our outreach activity, to be able to extend this invitation to school students from across the region. We would, of course, be thrilled if attending this event inspires them to go on to become journalists, writers and politicians."

Alex Trainer, vice principal of Gloucester Academy, said: "By giving our students the opportunity to see one of the most significant politicians of our time, it allows them to connect with a world that can seem otherwise abstract and distant.

"At Gloucester Academy we strongly believe that we are responsible for educating children both in an academic sense and in the wider sense of the world.

"The chance to see Hillary Rodham Clinton is one that will help to shape their understanding of the world and it is a truly significant opportunity to understand the kind of determination that it takes to become a highly successful leader so that they can become the leaders of the future."

Richard Gilpin, headteacher of Pittville School, Cheltenham, added: "This is a terrific opportunity for our students to listen to a world famous politican. This will provide the chance for the students to engage with, and be inspired to take an interest in, current world affairs and issues. A once in a lifetime opportunity."

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.