Parliament for pupils should be encouraged

RECENTLY you reported on the development of Manchester’s pupil parliament in primary schools (M.E.N., February 18).

It was interesting that their agenda put tackling world poverty at the top. Although some of the children may have personal experience of real poverty, for many it will be a hazy idea.

This haziness however does not mean it is to be ignored. When children see injustice they are rightly shocked. Their selflessness should be encouraged, especially when it contrasts their elders.

As a one-time teacher I know many of the best learning times in my classes came from such levels of engagement with issues.

Whether it is un-picking the rhetorical and linguistic devices used, challenging and interpreting figures, grasping the complicated issues of science or struggling with morally conflicting issues, encouraging and giving learners time to really deal with their topics always pays off.

Their teachers should be proud of their initiative.

Think what skills a 10-year-old gains in politely challenging the driver of an idling diesel-engined car to switch off their vehicle and stop pumping particles into the lungs of asthmatic children.

And think what skills they will gain when they take their survey work to the council or their MP to get statutory safeguards for their siblings and community. Old teacher, via email