MSP visits primary school - thoughts?

zebidee1

My daughter's primary school was visited by a Member of the Scottish Parliament today. He spoke to two classes, P4 & P5 which have children around the ages of 8/9.

My first instinct was that I thought this was a bit out of order as I felt that children of this age dont need to be thinking about politics and that it seems almost like an attempt at early endoctrination. Although I dont know for certain, I suspect that members of the other parties wont be visiting so that in itself seems a bit one sided. If I'm wrong and other members do visit, then that seems just as bad because it's almost like they are touting for their side iyswim.

On the other hand, perhaps it is a good thing that children start to think about serious things such as politics from an early age, informed choice is always good.

However I just can't shake off the feeling that this is wrong for primary kids of that age and I'm not very happy about my daughter being involved. I think it would be quite a good idea for secondary age children. As it happens, it went over the top of her head anyway and she can't remember all what was said as she got bored and 'switched off'. :rolleyes: Although she does remember the bit about how his party got smoking banned from cafes etc.

At the end of the day, it's not the end of the world and isn't worthy of making a huge song and dance about it, but I'd appreciate your thoughts?

Silverbird

Agreed. Too young to be thinking and talking about that and it won't affect her for many, many years to come, by which time I'm sure she would have forgotten it all anyway.

Perhaps it's a strange attempt to get the kids to spread 'word of mouth' by telling their parents and the parents then voting for his party?

Just seems very odd to me.

dieselhead

I would have to disagree, I think children of primary school age do need to understand about how our government works. If nothing else it helps them to understand their history lessons, I think at that age a child should know who the prime minister is, what an MP is, what an MSP is etc. I do agree that I don't think they should be bombarded with politics, but a grasp of how it works is not a bad thing, especially since politics are in the news so much at the moment. 8/9 years old sounds like a good age to be introduced to some of the ideas of democracy.

peachyprice

Have you asked if thre MP was invited to the school? |it could be that they were, to tie in with a topic they are covering at the moment.

There's nothing wrong with our children learning how our democracy works.

mrcow

zebidee1 wrote: »

My daughter's primary school was visited by a Member of the Scottish Parliament today. He spoke to two classes, P4 & P5 which have children around the ages of 8/9.

My first instinct was that I thought this was a bit out of order as I felt that children of this age dont need to be thinking about politics and that it seems almost like an attempt at early endoctrination.

Eh?

Children of 8 or 9 are more than old enough to start taking an interest in politics, news, history and current affairs.

My 7 year old has been totally gripped by events of the past 5 days.

Do you really want your kids living in some sort of bubble of ignorance?

Well done to the school for bagging such an interesting visitor!

zebidee1

mrcow wrote: »

Eh?

Why are you confused at my words? It's possible for us all to have different thoughts or even mixed thoughts on a subject you know. I don't see that there was a need for the confused smilie. My post was easy to understand and if you don't agree with my thoughts, that's fine but I dont think the smilie was an appropriate response to a civilised, reasonable question.

Do you really want your kids living in some sort of bubble of ignorance?

Don't be ridiculous. Do you really believe that is the alternative to not having a visit by a politician?

Thanks for your post.

zebidee1

dieselhead wrote: »

I would have to disagree, I think children of primary school age do need to understand about how our government works. If nothing else it helps them to understand their history lessons, I think at that age a child should know who the prime minister is, what an MP is, what an MSP is etc. I do agree that I don't think they should be bombarded with politics, but a grasp of how it works is not a bad thing, especially since politics are in the news so much at the moment. 8/9 years old sounds like a good age to be introduced to some of the ideas of democracy.

Thank you. I do actually agree with what you say. We do talk to our daughter about various things and she asks questions after hearing things on the news that she maybe doesn't fully understand. I feel there is a difference between this and having a talk done by a visiting MP of one party though. I'm sure the Teacher or Head for that matter could have covered the basics of all the points mentioned without the need for an MSP visit.

I accept I am perhaps reading too much into this though.

cte1111

I think it is very unlikely that the visiting MSP made any party political points. It is more likely that he was asked there, maybe to present a prize or to open a new section paid for by the Scottish Parliament etc. That is a normal part of an MP / MSP's duties. And as part of the visit, to have a short chat with the children about government and how it works. That sounds great to me, politics affects all of us ultimately, and children like to learn about different things and see different people.

My DD (6) asked about a million questions about speed cameras earlier in the week, which I tried to answer. Now obviously it doesn't directly affect her, but she was interested. And I'm sure she would have been interested in a traffic policeman came in to her school and talked about that. I think it is comparable to an MSP visiting.

VickyA_2

Being a teacher, I would be delighted if our local MP came into my school. They'd be able to appreciate what sort of work goes on and the battles we are up against - and to celebrate the successes of the school. I sometimes think that the Education Secretary doesn't have a clue about what happens....

On the other hand, I do think that children coming into contact with all these adults give them an idea about how they can fit into this country. It might also give them something to aspire to.

mrcow

zebidee1 wrote: »

Don't be ridiculous. Do you really believe that is the alternative to not having a visit by a politician?

More to the point, do you really believe that the only reason a politician would visit a school is to tout?

And yes, I do think that there are far too many people in this country who show a serious and worrying ignorance over current affairs and welcome anything that helps to combat this. A visit from an MP is a great way of bringing politics and an understanding of it to kids.

Sagaris

For what it's worth - I have seen our local MP do one of his school visits - he was brilliant!

He was visiting the year 5 pupils (age 9 - 10) and took lots of information along with him about the Houses of Parliament, laminated photos for them to hand around of the buildings, inside of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and talked to them about his job in quite general terms. The kids were absolutely enthralled, and asked lots of questions at the end - he was actually late for his next appointment! Both the MP and the children really enjoyed his visit - and he didn't tell them which party he represented, and that was about the only question the children didn't ask. So if he was hoping to influence the next generation of voters, he didn't seem to do too well on that front!

And it's not that I'm a fan of his - he represents a party I've never voted for (and probably never will!) but it doesn't stop me respecting him for giving children an insight into somthing they probably don't think about much.