For the first time a Stanmore school has completed a political literacy course run by this year's Harrow Business Den winners.

Students at Bentley Wood High School are the first in the borough to complete course, which is being taught at 17 schools across London this year and aims to get young people interested and engaged in politics while acquiring an AQA Level 2 award.

It covers an introduction into British politics, international relations and employability and politics.

The course, which is being run by independent news network Shout Out UK, also puts emphasis on people skills – the art of verbal communication – which includes campaigning, fund-raising, public speaking and debating.

Founder of Shout Out UK, Matteo Bergamini, said: "You can't expect the next generation to understand and get involved in voting and politics if they are not taught how it works.

"Political literacy is one of the most valuable gifts we can give the next generation as it bestows upon us the tools needed to build a better society. The hunger for politics is their, we just need the knowledge to engage."

As well as helping students with their self esteem and confidence, the course showed students politics is in everything they do in life, so it pays to be involved.

Roisin Murray, teacher at Bentley Wood High School said: "Understanding politics is key to understanding how society works. Shout Out UK’s Political Literacy Course supports students in developing their political awareness so they can take a more active role in society.

"After sitting in on several lessons with Shout Out UK and our students, I can honestly say it has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their knowledge and awareness of current affairs as well as their ability to speak in public, debate and present a discussion coherently."

In March Shout Out UK were crowned winner of the 2016 Harrow Business Den Competition to take their political literacy course further.

They will now work on introducing the course into all schools in Harrow.

The company also organised an event discussing the issues surrounding capitalism and the free market in light of the 2008 economic crash at the Houses of Parliament last month.

Shout Out UK teamed up with CapX and arranged a debate to tackle the free market, capitalism and its current issues.

Mr Bergamini said: "With the resurgence of the left manifesting itself in Corbyn, and Bernie Sanders in the USA, the great left/right political debate has been reignited.

"We do not have to live with our current system, we have a choice and this event was a gathering of peoples interested in exploring those options from the left and the right."

The event included a heated Q and A, moderated by Guardian News journalist Gaby Hinsliff. The general consensus at the end was that markets should be managed for the many, not just the few.

Speakers included Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP, writer and journalist, Dave Dewhurst, Occupy London, Josh Ryan-Collins, New Economic Foundation and Philippe Legrain, former economic adviser to European Commission president José Manuel Barroso.