Engaging young people in politics: Your Parliament, Your School
It is not easy to engage young people in politics, but a Scottish Parliament outreach education programme is trying to change that.
What is the Your Parliament, Your School programme?
The programme aims to inform young people about the work of the Scottish Parliament. But this is not a lecture. The programme is designed to encourage pupils to engage with MSPs in an interactive and meaningful way, whilst learning about the role that the Scottish Parliament plays in young people's everyday lives.
Pupils and teachers receive learning and teaching resources prior to Parliament staff and MSPs coming to visit them in school.
This gives them a chance to learn about the Scottish Parliament and prepare in advance to lead discussions and debates on the issues that interest them. These are free materials with information and resources for teachers and pupils on how to get the most out of the visits to the school.
There are then two sessions - one with a Parliament Education Assistant and one with the local MSPs. Typically, pupils work closely with their MSPs to discuss issues they feel strongly about and to decide how they can take one forward.
Can any school participate?
Yes. Both primary and secondary schools are invited to participate. The programme is suited to a range of subject areas - both business studies and drama classes were involved in the pilot. Sessions are available in Gaelic as well as in English.
What is expected of teachers?
Running the project does not involve a huge amount of work for the teacher. Their role is mainly to help pupils work through the pre-visit resources and to facilitate the visits. The more knowledgeable the pupils are, the better the visits will be. It is important to give a reasonable amount of time and effort to the project. Teachers are recommended to set aside three to four hours of teaching time prior to the visit, although more would be great!
Teachers' feedback
It was great to have all the necessary information in one place without having to hunt elsewhere. There were some good ideas.
Teacher, P6 class
…well presented and very well translated into Gaelic - I learnt a good deal about the Parliament myself!
Teacher, S3 Gaelic class
Good. Fairly diverse.
Teacher, S3 Drama class
The project was very good. It fitted in with class work well - we got a debate and a piece of writing from this which will be used to generate grades.
Teacher, S3 Gaelic class
Scottish Parliament outreach education session
After the pre-teaching by the class teacher, the Parliament's Education Assistants offer an introductory session on the Scottish Parliament. This is an extremely useful introduction to the Parliament, and will mean that the pupils who are taking part will be much better prepared for meeting their MSPs.
The Education Team will liaise with the school on what follow-up they want to organise in order to engage with their local MSPs. Under the MSPs in Schools option, they liaise with and organise the MSPs' session in conjunction with the school. Or schools can opt to organise this themselves. Alternatively, schools can arrange to visit the Parliament in Edinburgh for a special visit to see MSPs in action and meet with local Members there.
If a school opts for the MSPs in Schools follow-up, the Education Assistants will start to develop the issue or issues that the pupils wish to take forward with their MSPs during the first session. The MSPs will discuss the issues they have raised and offer information and support on possible ways to take them forward. In working on their issue, pupils can choose to organise a public meeting, develop a campaign or perhaps submit a petition to Parliament.
Support network
A support network is available to teachers as Scottish Parliament staff are available by phone and email at any time, as well as being present for the first visit and facilitating follow-up activities as required. Teachers can find plenty of advice and ideas in the education section of the Parliament’s website too.
So, how does my school get involved?
To get involved, you can book sessions by completing a short form on the Scottish Parliament website. You are welcome to contact the service with any questions about the programme.
There is no cost to schools or local authorities for taking part in the programme.
Contact details
You can ask questions about the Parliament’s outreach education sessions through the telephone enquiry line which is usually open between 09.00 and 16.00, Monday to Friday. Please call 0131 348 5401 or 0131 348 5384.
Or email the outreach team at outreach.education@scottish.parliament.uk
The MSPs in Schools pilot
The pilot took place in the eight electoral regions of Scotland between January and May 2005. The project was set up by Hansard Society Scotland working with the Scottish Parliament's Outreach Services, Learning and Teaching Scotland, the Scottish Executive and the Electoral Commission.
MSPs and schools participating in the pilot were: 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).
Pupils' feedback from the pilot
It was useful as I didn't know much about politics.
Laura, age 14
My favourite part was the meeting. I was surprised that Nanette Milne was able to answer so many questions without having known that she'd be on the panel. The reason I like the meeting was because I was chairman.
Hamish, age 10
I was really excited when Chris [Ballance] came into the room. I liked everybody's ideas and thoughts. I hope that we succeed in getting a sports academy.
Jason, age 11
I thought it was good that you let us think what we could do to help out in Scotland.
Alison, age 11
I think it's good that important MSPs want to hear what us kids think.
Nadine, age 10
The project was successfully piloted and went on to run during the 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 school years. The new 'Your Parliament, Your School' programme has developed from this after the Parliament reviewed its services last year. Copies of the MSPs in Schools pack that supported the project, and the other packs in the series such as MPs in Schools Scotland, can be obtained by contacting Hansard Scotland at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk or call on 0131 550 3797.