By BERTHA SIBANDA

OUR grammar school pupils are campaigning for the Government to ease the funding cuts which form part of plans to improve the quality of education being provided in comprehensive schools nationwide.

This course of action by the Government sets out to achieve excellence in the provision of education in all schools.

However, it is suggested the cuts being made to grammar schools across the UK are too traumatic for the schools, which are struggling to cope with these changes as a result.

I have asked a few grammar school pupils if they have felt the effect of these changes.

This was one of the most detailed responses that I have received: “One of the main areas where the funding cuts are most difficult, is on the school council.

“We are frequently told most ideas are not possible as there isn’t the budget for them. The most recent example was that we wanted to replace a tree that was originally planted as a soldiers memorial. We were told that it may not be possible because of funding.

“There are also the issues such as larger class sizes, the possibility of classes getting cut and fewer resources.

To combat this we do fundraising wherever possible.

We take part in sponsored walks, stage drama productions and music concerts, which all bring in small amounts of money to help the school with funding issues.”

This campaign, to raise or reverse the schools budget cuts, is ongoing.

This article has been written to raise the profile of this campaign because I believe one of my roles in the youth council is vital in raising awareness of the various issues affecting young people in our area.