Education boss told of pupils' concerns (From Free Press Series)

Education boss told of pupils' concerns

SECONDARY SCHOOL student councils brought their political year to a close with a series of hard hitting questions for education bosses.

Before meeting the Director of Education Mike de Val, the student council from West Monmouth school met with their peers from Trevethin Community school and Abersychan Comprehensive to discuss their feelings on the proposed secondary school reorganisation.

Assistant head teacher of West Monmouth said that the pupils had enjoyed meeting their peers and had later expressed concerns for their fellow pupils at Trevethin when they realised how 'disrupted' their education was in north Torfaen.

The year councils of West Mon then met Mr de Val when he visited to answer pressing questions from students.

Melissa Nash, a year eight student, asked why it was that St Albans had a sixth form and West Mon did not.

Sam Peterson, from Year nine, asked: "How would GCSE options be affected if Trevethin closed and pupils transferred to West Mon?"

Catrin Lewis (year nine) wanted to know whether a Welsh school should be a priority to Torfaen when most of its pupils come from out of the county.

Mr de Val entered into talks with the school councils and answered some questions about secondary reorganisation.

He also explained the council's preferred option to the students at West Mon on his visit.

Mr de Val said: "We felt it was crucial to talk through the proposals directly with young people and were keen to answer queries and discuss their concerns. The meetings were very successful. Their views will certainly inform what the council decides to do next."