Class Holly pupils talk rights with MSP

Students supported by the Sensational Learning Centre (SLC) at The Donaldson Trust welcomed a special guest this week. Maggie Chapman, a Scottish Green Party MSP, visited to hear first-hand about their human rights project.

As Deputy Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, Maggie was well-placed to talk with Class Holly students about the concept of rights, especially how neurodivergent young people can realise their rights.

The inquisitive young students, who have been exploring the topic ‘Children’s rights and the formation of UNCRC’, were eager to learn more about Maggie’s role as an MSP and their rights as neurodivergent young people.

In preparation for the visit, the group prepared thought-provoking questions, both on the topic of Human Rights and about the workings of The Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government.

Impressed by the students, Maggie Chapman MSP said, “I was pleased to visit the Sensational Learning Centre at The Donaldson Trust today. It’s clear that enabling neurodivergent young people to feel safe and confident in their learning environment through an individualised, person-centred approach is vital to delivering genuine neuro-inclusion in education. Thank you so much to Class Holly for making me feel so welcome, and for your great questions about human rights and life as an MSP.”

The students enjoyed meeting the MSP, with one young person saying at the end of the visit, “I like that she took time out of her busy day to hear our views.”

Class Teacher, Rebekah Smart said, “We are grateful to Maggie for visiting and hearing the views of Class Holly students. This skills-based approach to learning is a core element of our offer for neurodivergent people, empowering them to realise the sorts of rights Maggie and Class Holly spoke about today. Maggie was so attentive to the needs of our young people and keen to hear neurodivergent voices.”