Anthony Mangnall MP for Totnes visited West Alvington C of E Academy, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, to meet with pupils and staff.
During his visit, Mr Mangnall was shown around the academy and heard all about the opportunities the academy is providing its pupils. He was also able to see the learning environments and outside spaces where the children take part in outdoor lessons and forest school.
As an advocate for environmental education Mr Mangnall was keen to hear all about the academy’s outdoor learning provisions and in particular how they have been utilising their local environment to enrich their curriculum.
He also met with a number of pupils during one of their Art lessons and was impressed to see their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for their learning in the subject.
Once Mr Mangnall had toured the academy, the pupils were given the opportunity to ask him a range of questions about his role. The children asked some really thoughtful questions and showed great interest in Mr Mangnall’s job as an MP. This included questions such as ‘what’s the best thing about your job?’, ‘What time do you start work’ and ‘Have you met the King?’.
Excitingly, Mr Mangnall was also introduced to Betty, the academy’s support dog, during his visit which was a particular highlight for him and the children.
Anthony Mangnall, Member of Parliament for Totnes, said:
“It was good to visit West Alvington C of E Academy and to speak with staff and students alike. This excellent Primary School has battled through the pandemic, and it is wonderful to see the school flourishing.
“We discussed pupil levels, the energy price increase impact and the need to do more to support brilliant primary schools like West Alvington. I look forward to working with the team to ensure they receive the support they need to continue to shape young minds for the future.”
Katie Coombe, Headteacher at West Alvington Primary C of E Academy, said:
“I want to say a huge thank you to Anthony Magnall for visiting our academy. We really enjoyed being able to showcase the wide range of opportunities we provide our pupils and the way in which we have been embedding environmental education into our curriculum.
“It is wonderful to have his full support for the work we have been doing to make a real difference for the pupils at our academy.”