The boys and girls of Key Stage 2 and our Eco-Council were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Stormont buildings recently. Despite a short delay in departing from school, we arrived at Stormont in perfect time to start our tour with Anne-Marie. First of all we were brought into the Senate chamber. There we were met by Cathal Boylan MLA (Sinn Féin) who talked to the pupils about the makeup of the assembly and how decision making should normally take place. The pupils were very keen to share their own ideas and thoughts based on their EcoCouncil and indeed School Council experience and both Mr. Boylan and AnnMarie were very impressed.
Next up was a quick photo opportunity on the famous staircase in the main hall before visiting the Assembly chamber. Once seated in their chairs, the pupils then conducted a debate on whether school uniforms should banned in all schools. AnnMarie brought the pupils through the structured process of conducting a debate in addition to the all important vote counting mechanism - the results of the debate can be seen on the video below.
We finished off our trip with the long walk down the main Avenue to the picnic area at the Mo Mowlam park before a quick stop off at the Peoples' Park Portadown on our way home to round off a fabulous day out.
Our thanks to the Education team at Stormont, Mr. Boylan for speaking to the pupils and of course our very own Eco-Councillor Stephanie for making contact with Stormont to arrange the trip.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.
