PRESIDING OFFICER LAUNCHES ‘MSPS IN SCHOOLS’ PILOT SCHEME

A pilot scheme that will see eight MSPs take the trip back to school to build better links between schools, young people and the Scottish Parliament will be launched at the Scottish Parliament on 25 January at 1pm by the Presiding Officer George Reid MSP.

‘MSPs in Schools’ is being piloted in the eight electoral regions of Scotland, with MSPs from each political party and one independent MSP taking part. The project aims to inform school pupils of the work of the Scottish Parliament, through the wider aspects of education for citizenship in Scotland, including motivation, values and participation. It was also give pupils the opportunity to work with an MSP on developing an issue or topic they have chosen.

Officially launching the scheme, Presiding Officer George Reid MSP said:

“We are delighted to be working with our partners on such a worthwhile project. Participating pupils will not only have the opportunity to learn more about what happens in their Parliament, but also gain a greater understanding of how they can influence the process.”

The project has been set up by Hansard Society Scotland working with the Scottish Parliament’s Outreach Services, Learning and Teaching Scotland, The Scottish Executive and Electoral Commission.

Greg Sanderson of the Hansard Society Scotland, who is co-ordinating the project, explained:

“MSPs in Schools project will encourage the active participation of young people in the electoral process. By encouraging young people to take an interest in politics now, we hope they will be more inclined to vote when they are old enough.”

Sara Aboud, Outreach Officer for The Electoral Commission, added:

“Young people are often interested in politics and voting but they rarely have the opportunity to meet elected representatives or discuss issues with them. Only by making their feelings known, will they have any power to change what they don’t agree with.”

Colin McAndrew, Principal Education Officer for Policy and Liaison for Learning and Teaching Scotland, said:

“The pilot schools have reacted very positively towards this initiative with a large number of schools across Scotland already indicating that they would also like to benefit from this project once it is rolled out nationally later in 2005.”

Background

Both Primary and Secondary schools are participating, including two Gaelic medium units and subject areas as diverse as Business Studies and Drama.

Participating schools will receive:

• A handbook covering a range of resources.

• Three sessions with a representative of the Hansard Society and a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Outreach Services Team, with session two including the MSP. The sessions will inform the class about the work of the Parliament and assist them in starting to develop the issues they wish to take forward or work with their MSP.

Participating MSPs are:

• Chris Ballance (St Ronan’s Primary, Innerleithen)
• John Farquhar Munro (Plockton High)
• Colin Fox (James Gillespie’s High, Edinburgh)
• Nanette Milne (Mile End Primary, Aberdeen)
• Pauline McNeill (Anderston Primary, Glasgow)
• John Swinburne (Dalziel High, Motherwell)
• John Swinney (Blairgowrie High, Perthshire)
• Jean Turner (Turnbull High, East Dunbartonshire).

The Hansard Society was established in 1944 to promote the ideals of parliamentary government when it was seen to be threatened by fascist and communist dictatorships. Its activities, meetings and publications focus on educating people, especially the young, on how the UK Government, devolved institutions and European Parliament work. Through its work with schools the Society has been - and continues to be - a pioneer in what is now called citizenship education.

Learning and Teaching Scotland is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the the Scottish Executive Education Department. The organisation provides independent advice to Scottish Ministers as well as direction and wide-ranging support to educational professionals and stakeholders

The Electoral Commission is an independent body established by Parliament. It aims to ensure public confidence and participation in the democratic process within the United Kingdom through modernisation of the electoral process and promotion of public awareness of electoral matters.

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