Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, is encouraging schools in Montgomeryshire to become involved with Parliament’s Education Service, by engaging with Parliament through a number of activities.
Parliament’s Education Service aims to inform, engage and empower pupils to understand and get involved with Parliament, politics and democracy. The service offers a year round programme of events for schools and teachers, including visits to Westminster, school-based workshops and teacher training, education projects, and active learning competitions.
Last year, several Montgomeryshire schools engaged with the service through a variety of activities, including House of Commons and Elizabeth Tower tours, educational visits, and by entering the Speaker’s School Council Awards.
In the 2012-13 school year, the Education Service welcomed 47,000 students to Parliament, trained over 1,300 teachers, received requests for over 107,500 publications and reached over 50,000 pupils via projects and competitions.
Speaking about Parliament’s Education Service, Glyn Davies MP said:
“The Education Service is a fantastic opportunity for schools and pupils to actively engage with Parliament and learn more about the importance of politics and democracy.
“Transport subsidies for Parliament visits are available for those schools that are not in London, making Westminster much more accessible to pupils in Montgomeryshire. The Service also encourages schools to engage with Parliament through such initiatives such as the Speaker’s Council Awards, which allows students to nominate the school project they are most proud of, as well as offering teaching training courses and lesson plans.
“I always enjoy welcoming schools from Montgomeryshire to the House of Commons, and would encourage schools to take advantage of the many events which the Service offers.”
Last year, pupils from Newtown High School visited Parliament as part of the service’s Education Visits programme. Assistant Head Teacher Mrs A Francis commented:
“Our Year 12 Students visited the Houses of Parliament as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate studies; they thoroughly enjoyed the day, observing debates in both the House of Commons and House of Lords and taking part in organised activities.
“The day provided a valuable learning experience that they will not forget.”
Parliament’s Education Service’s website hosts interactive games, learning support materials and student focussed publications, as well as giving information on how school’s can apply for visits and get involved with the programme’s activities. Visit www.parliament.uk/education.
