December 2, 2022 03:51pm
A city MP has praised Year 11 students at The Portsmouth Academy for being bright and resilient in his recent visit to the school.
Stephen Morgan, who is the MP for Portsmouth South, visited the Academy on Friday 2nd December for the first time since A. Woodall became Principal in September.
Students and staff welcomed the MP who delivered a Q&A-style assembly, which ranged from topics such as a day in the life of an MP through to the impact of decisions made in Parliament, as well as his support for schools and how he became an MP.
Stephen said: “It’s really great to be back here at The Portsmouth Academy speaking to young people - the future of our country - to hear their ideas, views, and their concerns.
“I enjoyed their time today as well as meeting with the school leaders to hear about their views and responsibilities they have in school. They are making a real difference to our community.”
In his time as a guest at the school, the MP met with the Student Leadership Team to learn more about the challenges pupils are facing as young people.
Stephen said: “I’m really conscious that young people have had so many challenges in recent years through the pandemic and it has had a real impact on their wellbeing and mental health.
“But today the students were really bright and resilient young people that really care about their community and their country – that’s why I wanted to come and say hello and support them. They have got a bright future ahead and obviously by buckling down and doing well at school, they will go far in life.”
When asked about the importance of families and businesses engaging with the school from across the city, Stephen encouraged people to see what difference the school is making.
He said: “We know that by investing in young people and investing in schools we have a much better society and a much better economy. It’s really important that the local community get involved with their local school and see what difference they can make.
“I know that Portsmouth people do that so incredibly well and we should encourage it some more.”