Wrexham School Children Visit Welsh Government Offices

Children from three Wrexham schools have made the journey to Llandudno Junction to learn all about the Welsh Government.

Pupils from Victoria Primary School, Ysgol Pontfadog and Ysgol Rhiwabon got the opportunity to understand how Wales is governed and how the organisation works.

They also heard all about the Llandudno Junction office, which is the greenest building in the government’s estate.

Pupils from Victoria Primary and Ysgol Pontfadog even got the chance to act as the Welsh Government and were asked which departments were most important to them and how much money they would give to the different portfolios if they were in power.

Year 12 students from Ysgol Rhiwabon were split into groups and given a specific ministerial portfolio and asked to set out a new manifesto for that area which they then presented back to their fellow pupils, which brought up lively debates on different issues.

The Welsh Government welcomes school visits to its office in Llandudno Junction on a regular basis as part of its role in engaging with the community.

Pat Gooding, 14 – 19 Director of Studies/Welsh Baccalaureate Co-ordinator at Ysgol Rhiwabon said: “This was our second visit to Llandudno Junction and on both occasions the students had a really valuable experience which enhanced their understanding of national politics which is one of the elements studied in the Welsh Baccalaureate.

“The activities were well-organised and engaged the students. We hope to visit with our Year 12 students in the next academic year.”

John Hughes, Headteacher at Victoria Primary School said:

“It was a wonderful experience for the children to be able to get a real understanding about how the Welsh Government works. We will certainly be arranging another visit to the Llandudno Junction office.”

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said: “I’m delighted to hear that pupils from North East Wales have made the journey to the building in Llandudno Junction to learn all about the Welsh Government. The building is a valuable education and information resource for all ages from across North Wales.

“It’s vitally important that school children are able to get an understanding of the issues the Welsh Government are responsible for and how the decisions that are made impact on their lives. Having the building in Llandudno Junction offers them that opportunity.”