Political awareness and participation at Belmont Academy

Background to National Youth Parliament (NYP) competition

The NYP competition began in 1991 and originally focused on Westminster. In 2003, schools were given the opportunity to choose either the Westminster model or the Holyrood model.  

You can find out more and order a registration pack on the competition page of the Citizenship Foundation website or contact Amy Bush 020 7367 0523.

Context

Belmont Academy has a long history of competing in the NYP competition having entered their first team in 1996.  

The school now enters both the debate and Minister’s Question Time so that the maximum number of pupils can take part. In 2003/04 they won the debating portion of the competition with their debate on the banning of smoking in public places. Their Minister’s Question Time won in 2004/05.

(EC - effective contributors; RC - responsible citizens; CI - confident individuals; SL - successful learners)

Timescale

All pupils are invited to join the team when they start school in S1. They are buddied up with older, more experienced pupils at first to build up their confidence and encourage them to participate fully.  

In 2004/05 over 60 pupils from across the school took part. This means a number of pupils are involved in the process for the whole of their school careers, building on learning experiences year on year.  

This is obviously a contributing factor to the team's success. It also provides good progression in terms of creating a knowledge base about democratic procedures and building links between year groups in the school.

Throughout the session, a dedicated notice board gives pupils information on meetings and timescales. All meetings and discussions take place at lunchtimes, pupils are only taken out of school for the day of the filming. They choose their main topic for debate and questions for the Minister collaboratively through discussion. 

Preparation and process

Research is carried out by pupils in their own time and typically involves the use of the internet, newspapers, television news bulletins and other relevant source material.  

Although the debate is scripted, this is just a guide as it is important to keep it as spontaneous as possible.

It’s a good idea to invite local representatives in at this stage to give pupils guidance on procedures and tips on effective debating techniques. Teachers involved say that this is one of the most effective motivators for pupils. It encourages them to interact with politicians and develop an understanding of their job.  

Cathy Jamieson MSP (then Minister for Justice) and George Foulkes (former MP) have supported the team on a regular basis.

Taking decisions about who will do what on the day is left up to the pupils who volunteer or nominate people that they think will do a good job.  

Watching films of actual debates is also helpful and these are easily accessible. Visit Holyrood TV online to watch live debates in the Chamber or the work of the Committees and access archived films of debates. You can also get a free video 'Teaching about the Scottish Parliament' from the Citizenship Foundation.

Trying to re-create the parliament set-up as far as possible is also worthwhile. Having a full chamber, and movement in and out during the debate replicates real life actions within the parliament. Encouraging pupils to 'dress as MSPs' lends further authenticity to the occasion.

Filming

Belmont Academy have access to South Ayrshire Council chamber for their filming which gives a sense of occasion to the day. It also forms a professional arena which pupils can enjoy using.  

All the filming and editing is now done by pupils who either take media studies within the school or have a personal interest or skill in the technical side of producing a programme.

Outcomes

Benefits for pupils include:

• development of pupil’s skills in communication, decision-making and team building
• increased self-confidence in public speaking and new situations
• increased awareness of political issues and the political process in Scotland    

Benefits for teachers include:

• working with pupils from all ages and stages across the school in a non formal context
• satisfaction of leading a large and successful initiative   

Contact details

For extra support and practical guidance contact Caroline Peacock.

Caroline Peacock
carolinepeacock@belmontacademy.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
t: 01292 281 733/4
Belmont Academy
Belmont Road 
Ayr, KA7 2PG