Showcase and celebration of pupils' work
Posted on Monday 25th June 2018
Primary schools across Newport take part in a programme designed to give children an active role in decision making that affects their lives.
Some of those youngsters involved in the Pupil Participation Learning Network (PPLN) attended a special event in the Civic Centre to showcase and celebrate their work.
Among those congratulating the pupils on their projects and success were the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland; Newport City Council Leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox and the council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Gail Giles.
The Children's Commissioner said: "Children's rights should be at the heart of school life, and all children have a right to have a say on decisions that affect them. By giving children a meaningful say in decision making, we empower them to shape the environments in which they learn, which can really help them to succeed."
Councillor Giles presented each pupil and their school with a certificate at the end of the event in the council chamber.
In Newport, the PPLN involves St Julian's, Glan Usk, Pillgwenlly, Glasllwch, Malpas Court, St Woolos, Eveswell and Mount Pleasant Primary Schools. Projects this year have covered diverse topics including super ambassadors; the new curriculum and priorities on school development plans.
Claire Orford, of St Julian's Primary School, who leads the network in the city, said: "This programme, which is part of the Welsh Government's adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, has been running in Newport for the last eight years.
"Pupils have responded with enthusiasm to the chance to have their voice heard and the range of topics they discuss and research demonstrates that they have a real interest in the world around them and how it impacts on their lives and others."
Councillor Giles said: "Once again the pupils in the PPLN have produced some fabulous and thought-provoking work and I would like to thank them, their schools and the staff involved in this important programme."