Evendons Primary School pupils visit 10 Downing Street

A group of 15 children from Evendons Primary School had the incredible opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street recently.

The Year 6 pupils were invited by the PM’s wife, Akshata Murty, as part of her initiative called Lessons at 10. The program aims to inspire primary school children by inviting them to the prime minister’s residence and sharing the message “be what you want to be”. The theme of these visits changes every week, and our pupils were offered a cooking class with Mike Beaton, also known as Commando Chef.

Upon their arrival, the children were welcomed with orange juice and biscuits. They had the privilege of meeting Mrs Murty who spoke to them about her own children, and how she enjoys spending her free time. Mr Beaton, on the other hand, shared incredible stories from his past as a Royal Marine, and how he now dedicates his time inspiring young people to cook and teaching them about leading a healthy lifestyle. He showed the children how to prepare a delicious turkey mince wrap and, after the demonstration, the children had the opportunity to cook their own with Mrs Murty’s assistance, ensuring an enjoyable and engaging experience. The children then sat down at a very grand table to indulge in their culinary creations.

The lunch was followed by a guided tour of Downing Street. They had the privilege of visiting the White Room, where they had the unique opportunity to sit on the official State Chair, typically reserved exclusively for heads of state during their visits to No 10. They also held the London 2012 Olympic torch and marvelled at the many artefacts within the residence.

Notable pieces included moon particles gifted by Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, and an impressive collection of artworks that held captivating histories and stories. Furthermore, the children delighted in discovering quirky elements such as hidden or fake doors, which added an extra sense of excitement to their visit. During their exploration, they also caught a glimpse of Larry the Cat, famous Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, who was curled up by the window.

The 15 pupils selected to attend the visit were chosen by lottery, and had an unforgettable time. They eagerly shared their experience with the rest of the school during a whole-school assembly, and since their visit to Downing Street they have been cooking turkey mince wraps at home for their families, inspired by their memorable experience.