REDBURN STUDENTS INTERVIEW LOCAL POLITICIAN

Local Ulster Unionist politician Leslie Cree MLA accepted an invitation from Redburn Alternative Education Provision in Holywood to be interviewed by students studying for their Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE).

The objective of CoPE qualifications is to promote and reward a wide range of personal qualities, abilities and achievements of young people. The qualifications encourage young people to face challenges and take part in a range of activities.

Joyce Hanna who is Adolescent Liaison Officer at Redburn in charge of level one and two students decided to invite an MLA to the school so that her students could gain
practical experience in interviewing techniques as part of the Personal Effectiveness Module of the qualification.

"Prior to Mr Cree’s visit each student prepared a list of questions about the work of an MLA, and how his job would affect their day to day lives." explained Joyce.

"They were encouraged to ask about issues such as policing, the economy, health, education and human rights issues and became quite enthusiastic when Mr Cree was able to translate all of the political jargon normally associated with legislative matters into everyday phases that could be easily understood, she said"

Commenting on his interview Mr Cree said "I am very impressed that these 14 – 16 year olds are so tuned in to local issues and current affairs."

"Some people criticise young people for their seemingly poor attitude and ‘couldn’t care less approach’ but I must say that I found this group of young people to be refreshing and challenging in the way that they asked questions."

"They really probed the answers that I gave and were genuinely engaged in the topics covered in the interview," he said.

CoPE qualifications can be given at three levels: Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grade E: Level 2 (Equivalent to GCSE grade B: and Level 3 (equivalent to AS level).

ENDS