Anthony Browne, MP, visits Bassingbourn Village College

On Friday 13th January, Anthony Browne, the Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire, visited Bassingbourn Village College.

During his visit, Mr Browne had the opportunity to meet with a number of the Student Ambassadors to discuss the projects they have been working on in school.  The Environmental Ambassadors outlined the recycling initiative they had introduced, their ambition for the school to achieve a no single use plastic school policy and the obstacles that would need to be overcome, as well as future plans to plant 60 saplings on the school site.

Mr Browne shared how the environment is an issue that he is very passionate about, having previously worked as the environmental editor for both The Observer and The Times prior to becoming an MP.  He explained to the students how the Climate Change Act commits the UK government to have zero emissions by 2050 and it is vital that students, like themselves, educate, understand and drive change to make this happen.

Before his meeting with the Student Ambassadors, Mr Browne spent time with the Principal, Ms Poulter, who shared the Bassingbourn Village College core values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility; emphasising how we feel as a school, the importance of developing leadership skills in students through initiatives such as School Council and Student Ambassadors ensuring students leave as respectful and responsible members of the community.  

Ms Poulter, Principal commented: “It was a pleasure to show Mr Browne around the school.  I am very proud of the team here at Bassingbourn Village College and the diverse and personalised curriculum we offer our students.  I am delighted he was able to meet with some of our students so they could explain some of the initiatives they are leading in school, and I was given an opportunity to discuss with Mr Browne the challenges faced by all schools in the current climate.”

Mr Browne, MP added: “I was delighted to meet and hear from young members of the community.  It was encouraging to learn about the environmental initiatives the students of Bassingbourn Village College have introduced along with their plans for the future.  I look forward to being kept updated on how these progress and I am here to support in any way I can.”