Agenda and minutes

Councillor Members of the Youth Cabinet are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any item on the agenda and if so to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

The Minutes of the last meeting are attached.

Members are asked to consider whether the Minutes are an accurate record of the meeting and if so to formally approve them.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Daniel Lewis reported that there was an online conference being held on Friday 12 February 2021 from 2.30pm – 4pm. He was aware that representatives from St Gabriel’s and St Monica’s were attending but wasn’t sure about other schools and colleges.

Daniel reported that he knew that other schools had been invited to participate and asked those present to ask their school if they could attend if they wanted to.

Emma Greenwood reported that the GMCA and Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham had asked that a Young People’s review be undertaken to tackle inequalities. The review would involve small groups getting together to discuss specific issues that affected young people such as metal health, education, technology, poverty etc. and they would be partnering with Greater Manchester charities to get access to technology during the current lockdown.

A report would be made available on the GMYCA website.

It was explained that work on integration would continue after the pandemic.

Oliver Gorton explained that he had started a conversation with his school in relation to the use of plastics. Not much could be done with the current lockdown in place and the schools operating virtually for most pupils, but he would pick the issue up again when the schools reopened.

Daniel explained that he would send Oliver some information on how to stop using single use plastics.

Phoebe explained that her school was looking at using Vegware in the canteen and Owen stated that his school was also doing this. Emma explained that her previous school had moved to Vegware in 2019 and it had worked really well.

Adele gave an update on the Make your Mark campaign that had recently been held nationally. It was reported that overall the turnout was lower than in previous years due to what was happening with the pandemic. Oldham had had the highest turnout with 34.3%.

The top 3 UK and Devolved topics were Free University, Supporting Mental Health and Take action on the Climate Emergency: Stop Plastic Pollution.  These will be the next 3 campaigns

Bury’s top 3 were Supporting Mental Health, Free University and Child Poverty. Locally, Bury’s highest vote was for Homelessness.

Should we abolish exams altogether?

The big debate: Should exams be abolished in the UK?

Those present took part in the discussions;

Reasons why exams should be abolished included causing stress and panic attacks as so much emphasis is put on getting good grades.

The need for written exams in some subjects but not others.

Possibly having tests throughout the course rather than one main exam at the year end.

Mental health stress linked back to exam stress.

Look at alternatives to the full written exam. Some tests include multiple choice options which is less stressful.

A vote was held and it was agreed with a majority vote that exams should still be held.