A BRENT MP swapped the corridors of Parliament for a school classroom to become a teacher for a day at Capital City Academy.

Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central and Minister for Children and Families, was invited to take a year seven science class by independent education charity, Teach First.

She spoke to the children about nuclear fission in light of the recent nuclear crisis in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

With a brief to take on the challenge of inspiring a classroom of pupils, Ms Teather stepped out of her professional comfort zone on Wednesday last week (March 16). She was able to draw on the support and experience of Teach First teacher Joshua Eisenthal who was on hand throughout the lesson to provide top teacher tips.

He said: "Sarah Teather’s visit to Capital City Academy was a unique opportunity for myself and for the students. The fact that her visit coincided with Science Week was all the better. Sarah herself has a degree in science and a career in politics, and the students really got a sense of
how their learning in school impacts their later lives and the important debates that they will inevitably be participating in as citizens and voters.

"The students were a credit to school, engaging fully in the lesson and showing the utmost respect for the Minister. It was a pleasure to work with her leading up to and during the lesson, and I hope that there will be many similar opportunities in the future."

Other guest teachers who are taking part in exercise include Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King, chair of the equalities and human rights commission Trevor Phillips, Channel 4 journalist Jon Snow and Slade frontman Noddy Holder. The guest teachers are working in schools in challenging circumstances where at least half the pupils come from poor homes.

They will work with teachers who have been recruited and trained by Teach First, which aims to help children, regardless of their family income, have access to inspirational teaching.