Back to school
MP talks about democracy with pupils
Rutherglen and Cambuslang MP Tom Greatrex went back to school earlier this month.
The Labour and Co-operative MP spent time with the primary six pupils of Burgh Primary answering questions on what it’s like to be an MP.
The talk explored how democracy works and what happens in Parliament as the pupils prepared for their school elections as part of their democracy project.
Tom said: “It was great to back in Burgh Primary and I enjoyed the questions from primary six on the importance of democracy and my role as their representative in Parliament, and talking to them about their exciting election campaign.
“I’m grateful to Mrs Wiggins and all the boys and girls for making me welcome. The class is working on an excellent project looking at how Parliament works and the pupils now understand how elections work.
“I was hugely impressed by the extent of their knowledge and their appetite to learn more. It’s so important that young people know how to participate in democracy, influence decision-making and access their MP on issues that affect them.”
Class teacher Heather Wiggins explained that the children have formed their own political parties complete with manifestos.
Mrs Wiggins said: “The children really enjoyed a visit from their local MP Tom Greatrex and the discussion brought to life their own learning over recent weeks about democracy and how they can play a part.
“In class the children prepared a survey to find out what issues are most important to their families, local residents and pupils in the upper school.
“They then formed groups to work up key ideas and formed their own political parties. We are working towards an election during the next week and Mr Greatrex has really helped consolidate their learning so far.”