School Council grill the leader of the Isle of Wight Council

9 / 12 / 2009

Members of Brighstone Primary School’s Eco-Schools Council were given the chance to put their questions to two senior councillors.

Leader David Pugh and Cllr Peter Bingham – who is responsible for Resources and is also the school’s local ward member – answered a number of questions from the panel at a special meeting which was arranged after the pupils wrote to Cllr Pugh asking to come to County Hall.

There was a wide variety of questions to the councillors, including asking for tips on how to control noisy meetings and how many rooms are at County Hall, to how the council decides how to spend taxpayers money and what would happen in Brighstone when the school’s reorganisation takes place.

The children, who were accompanied by headteacher Amanda Johnston, were also given a tour of County Hall and were shown the council chamber.

Following the visit, Amanda said ""The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit, particularly the opportunity to view the council chamber and use the gavel!

“It provided them with an understanding of how their decision making processes compliment those of the Isle of Wight Council in addition to the ways in which they can support my role of headteacher, in continuing to take the school forward.

“The children have invited Cllr Pugh to their January meeting, where I’m sure he will be grilled even further! The children at Brighstone are extremely reflective and are passionate about improving the school and local community and we are delighted that Cllrs Pugh and Bingham are supporting the children and school in this way.”

Leader David Pugh said "It was very enjoyable meeting the children from the Eco-Schools Council from Brighstone Primary School.

“They had a wide range of questions and were very interested in the role the Isle of Wight Council plays on the Island and the job I and my colleagues do, as well as the way the council runs on a daily basis.

“I am sure they’ll use many of the tips they picked up when holding their own Eco-Schools meetings in future and I look forward to visiting the school in January”

And we’ve made it into the National news:
http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/news/index.aspx?ID=95

Also see:
http://ventnorblog.com/2009/12/16/brighstone-primary-pupils-quiz-council-leader/
http://www.islandpulse.co.uk/b2/eco-students-grill-senior-councillors/