Easter recess allows Jo local school visits

4.58.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Mar 2007

MP will spend two weeks in their constituencies during Parliament's Easter recess

As MPs departed the House of Commons for their Easter Recess this week, Jo Swinson paid trips to two schools across East Dunbartonshire, before the schools also broke up for their Easter holidays.

Visiting St Ninian's High School on Thursday, Jo gave a speech to S3 pupils, enjoyed lunch in the school canteen and had informal chats with pupils around the school during the lunch hour.

St Ninian's is one of the first schools in Scotland selected to participate in the Scottish Executive's 'Schools of Ambition' programme. The programme seeks to raise the ambitions of schools, instill belief and ambition in pupils, extend their opportunities and transform their life chances.

After the visit, Jo said:

"I was really impressed by the upbeat environment as I chatted with a number of enthusiastic pupils around the school at lunchtime.

"Staff and pupils both deserve credit for creating a positive ethos and atmosphere of mutual respect in the school."

She followed this up with a visit to St Andrew's Primary in Bearsden today (Friday). At the school, Jo met Primary 7 pupils and staff, spoke about her role as a Member of Parliament and listened to the initiatives staff are taking to involve pupils at the school.

Jo commented:

"St Andrew's Primary has come up with innovative ways to involve pupils in school life.

"The 'playground friends' and 'peer mediation' schemes let older pupils take responsibility and give guidance to younger pupils in the playground. Through the school's health committee, pupils organise healthy activities such as walks to school and healthy eating days.

"Giving pupils responsibility and the chance to participate in the school community at an early age will be hugely beneficial to them as they progress through their education."

Related Link:

Young People - get involved!