Simon Baynes, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, visited The Maelor School in Penley on Friday 19th May to participate in The Politics Project with pupils from Years 7 and 8 and some Sixth Formers. The Politics Project is an initiative that aims to build a relationship between young people and their politicians through a facilitated Q&A and conversation with students.
As part of the visit, 25 pupils aged between 11 and 13 years prepared questions for Simon Baynes MP that allowed them to discuss matters that are important to them, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of governance and the democratic system within Wales and the UK as a whole. The topics covered included the functioning of the UK government and parliament, the role of a Member of Parliament, Simon Baynes MP's personal experiences as a politician, and his perspectives on local and national issues.
Simon Baynes MP also had the opportunity to meet with the Headteacher Simon Ellis, Rob Quinn, Head of History and Politics, and Graham Reardon, Head of the Humanities Faculty. The school, renowned for its academic excellence, has an impressive enrolment of 850 pupils and is recognised as the top-performing institution in the area for A-Levels and GCSEs.
The session proved to be an engaging and enlightening experience for both the students and Simon Baynes MP. Through lively discussions, the young minds showcased their eagerness to actively participate in shaping the future of their community and country. Simon Baynes MP, in turn, expressed his admiration for the students' curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge.
The Maelor School continues to prioritise its students' holistic development and is committed to providing opportunities that empower them to become active participants in society. By collaborating with organizations such as The Politics Project, the school aims to create a generation of responsible and politically aware individuals who can contribute positively to their communities.
Rob Quinn, Head of History and Politics at The Maelor School, said:
“This was a fantastic experience for our students who are studying governance as part of the Humanities programme for the new Curriculum for Wales.”
Ian Pope, Head of Programmes at The Politics Project, said:
“Thank you to Simon Baynes MP and the learners and teachers at The Maelor School for a fantastic Dialogue session. The questions from the young people were of an impressive standard and it was great to see young people engaged in local and national issues.
“Through the Digital Dialogue: Wales programme, The Politics Project wants to make sure that during their time at school young people can have the chance to have a meaningful conversation with a politician and build positive relationships. We really appreciate Simon’s support in helping us achieve that aim”
Reflecting on his visit, Simon Baynes MP commented:
"It was very good to have the opportunity to engage with the bright and inquisitive students at The Maelor School in Penley. The level of understanding and interest they displayed in political matters was impressive.
“Initiatives like the Digital Dialogue: Wales programme provide an invaluable platform for young individuals to learn about the democratic process. I commend the school and The Politics Project for their efforts in nurturing informed and engaged citizens."
