Assembly Question Time at Ysgol Bryn Elian, Old Colwyn

Young people in Old Colwyn will gain first hand knowledge of Welsh politics and democracy at a special “Question Time” event at Ysgol Bryn Elian on Friday, October 10^th 2008.  The event has been organised by The National Assembly for Wales’ Education Outreach Service in North Wales and will promote to teenagers the importance of voting and taking part in the democratic process.

As part of the run up to Local Democracy Week (October 13^th -17^th), Ysgol Bryn Eilian’s Year 12 and 13 Welsh Baccalaureate Students and School Council representatives will question a panel including Daren Millar, Assembly Member (Clwyd West), Brian Cossey Local Councillor for Colwyn  and Local Parliamentary Candidates Donna Hutton and Llyr Huws Gruffydd on a variety of issues.  Panel members will have no prior knowledge of the questions and will only have one minute each to answer.  Keeping the panel in order will the school’s Head Girl (Hannah Goodhall) and Head Boy (Darren Hughes).

Assembly Presiding Officer, Lord Elis-Thomas, announcing the event said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about the democratic process in Wales and challenge existing and aspiring politicians on what they can do to improve our communities and make changes to young people’s lives.  Students at the school have already taken part in workshops hosted by the Assembly’s North Wales Education Officer which will give them a good understanding of the way the Assembly works and how it is making a difference to the people of Wales.”

The event will start at 13.15pm at Ysgol Bryn Elian, Windsor Drive, Old Colwyn.  

To arrange press photographs or for further information, please contact Emyr Williams, Media Manager, on the numbers below.

As part of Local Democracy Week, twelve schools will be visiting the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay. These will include Holywell High School, Alun School, Brynhyfryd School, Rhuthun and Flint High.

Notes for editors:

1. Schools across North Wales can arrange for the National Assembly’s North Wales Education Officer to host  workshops for pupils aged 7 –18 which include group activities and interactive presentation at their school.

2. Schools may also visit the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, where the Education Service has a brand new interactive education centre to help pupils aged 7 –18 get the most from their visit. Schools who are based more than ten miles from Cardiff Bay are eligible for a subsidy for travel costs.  

3. For further information visit the education section of the Assembly’s Website: http://www.assemblywales.org/gethome/get-visits/get-visits-education.htm

To book a visit to the Assembly, the North Wales Visitor Centre or an appointment for a peripatetic Education Officer to visit your school please call the Assembly Booking line on 0845 010 5500, textphone 0845 010 5678 or e-mail: assembly.bookings@wales.gsi.gov.uk