Getting to the heart of Europe (From Gazette Series)

Getting to the heart of Europe

YOUNGSTERS in four villages are getting to grips with the world of politics.

Eight 11-year-olds from Kingswood, North Nibley, Slimbridge and Stone-with-Woodford Primary Schools have travelled to Brussels for a first-hand lesson on European democracy.

The expedition arose out of the work the schools have been doing about citizenship and developing school councils.

Year six pupils have already visited the Houses of Parliament in London.

Kingswood headteacher Carol Brodie said: "A visit to Brussels seemed a natural extension of this work."

The schools from Kingswood and North Nibley applied for a grant from British Telecom, offered for work on Citizens in Europe.

Slimbridge and Stone-with-Woodford schools funded the trip with a grant from Educational Business Partnership in Stroud, while Slimbridge approached local charities for help.

Pupils travelled to the centre of European politics to learn about how the European Parliament works and how laws are passed.

Their hands-on studies included discussions with South-West MEPs Caroline Jackson and Neil Parish at the impressive European Parliament building in the centre of Brussels.

Mrs Brodie said: "Much of the time the only chance pupils have to see how any parliament works is through books and pictures.

"This day of political studies helped these pupils to learn more about how the European political system and democracy works, an opportunity for them to have some first-hand information about the nuts and bolts of political life.

"The visit inspired pupils, helping them to bring even more enthusiasm to their role as officials of their respective School Councils."

On their return, the eight school council leaders (chairmen and secretaries) reported to their councils, who passed information on to the rest of each school.

Next term Stroud District Council will be hosting the pupils in the council chamber, reconstructing the European Parliament, for a debate. The motion will be 'Should Britain adopt the Euro?'

The exercise will be attended by fellow pupils, parents, governors and MEPs.

Mrs Brodie added: "We will be helping the children develop their debating skills in preparation for the re-enactment - I hope the children are learning more about the role of MEPs and the working of the European political system through the whole project."