School pupils get political insight during Clwyd East MP visit

School students recently had the opportunity to meet with their local MP and talk about what matters to them.

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, visited Argoed High School where she began with an assembly address to year 10 and 11 students, speaking about her journey to becoming an MP.

She talked about ‘being a girl from Bagillt’, attending Flint High School and Mold Alun High School, and working as an accountant, but discovering her real passion when she found campaigning and becoming a voice for others.

Her message was about finding that special something that you love, not being afraid to try, and not letting imposter syndrome get to you.

She referred to her experience of being a female working in a male dominated industry, a girl from a small community versus male politicians who have been to private school, but having a voice and using that difference to your advantage.

Following a student-led tour of the school, Becky met with students from the diversity group who spoke to her about the support network that is in place at the school and how they are working towards gaining The Rainbow Flag Award, a national quality assurance framework for all schools and colleges that focuses on positive LGBT+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility.

Becky Gittins MP Talks With The SNAG and Wellbeing Committees

The wellbeing committee and the SNAG group (school nutrition action group) introduced Becky to Islay, the wellbeing dog, and explained the ways in which she benefitted students in school.

Becky then met with school council members who asked about how to get things ‘done’, talking about changes in parking and vape legislation as well as how to go about gaining funding.

Year 7 representatives of the ‘Food and Fun’ Summer Holiday Enrichment Programme (SHEP) gave a presentation about their move up to high school.

They explained how the Welsh Government funded club had meant that they were more confident when they started in year 7 as they had already met new friends and teachers, and they spoke about how much fun the variety of activities were.

Alfie Pearce Presents Becky Gittins MP with a Handmade Wooden Engraved Pen

Talking about her visit, Becky said: “I felt very welcomed by staff and students during my visit to Argoed High School.

“I really enjoyed my tour of the school, which was led by the students Erin and Ethan; it was lovely to hear them speak so fondly about their school and passions.

“A highlight for me was meeting the LGBTQ+ and well-being groups who asked some thought-provoking questions.

“I loved meeting Isla, the wellbeing dog, who is clearly well loved by students.

“It was very interesting learning about the year 7’s Food and Fun summer club, I learnt about their preparation and transition ahead of starting secondary school; they all spoke very well during their presentation!

“This was then followed by a Q&A with student leaders who asked some well thought out questions about matters important to them, which I was keen to hear more about.”

Paul Smith, headteacher, said: “It was great to welcome Becky to our school and for our students to meet her, find out about her background and journey into politics, and have the opportunity to discuss some of the important work they are doing to make school life better for our whole school community.”