• Fri. Apr 19th, 2024

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Schoolchildren quiz councillors at Local Democracy Week

Northumberland County Council welcomed schoolchildren of all ages into the County Hall over the week of 9th to 13th October as part of Local Democracy Week.

The collaboration between Northumberland County Council’s Democratic Services and the Youth Service, saw around 1,000 pupils of all ages take part in activities themed around citizen participation.

Pupils attended workshops where they developed artwork for International Women’s Day and looked at issues that affect them in their local community and how campaigning for change works.

Pupils also had the opportunity to ask local town and county councillors questions in formal Question Time sessions, which resulted in lively debates each time.

Schools who took part in the week included:

  • Bothal Primary School, Ashington
  • Central Primary School, Ashington
  • Newminster Middle School, Morpeth
  • Swarland Primary School, Morpeth
  • Horton Grange Primary School, Blyth
  • Hipsburn Primary School, Alnwick
  • Corbridge Middle School, Corbridge
  • Highfield Middle School, Prudhoe
  • Stakeford Primary School, Choppington
  • Atkinson House School, Cramlington
  • Chantry Middle School, Morpeth
  • Barndale House School, Alnwick
  • Prudhoe Community High School, Prudhoe
  • The King Edward VI School, Morpeth
  • Astley High School, Seaton Delaval

Cllr Richard Dodd, Business Chair of Northumberland County Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for local schoolchildren to get involved in politics from an early age, and increase their awareness of issues in their local communities. Pupils came away from these sessions having developed new skills that will be invaluable to their futures.”

Local Democracy Week is held at Northumberland County Council every year, and is available to all schools and key stages across the county.

By Emily