By Tom Mark

Salmon Arm Students Get Lesson In Civics

Sep 14, 2017 | 5:55 AM

Some students in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District will be learning all about civic politics this year.

A new civics course at the Sullivan Campus of Salmon Arm Secondary provides the opportunity for students to be part of a youth council with the City of Salmon Arm Council.

School Board Official trustee Mike McKay says they’ll be fully involved.

“It’s rigorous, They will be considering issues. They’ll be bringing recommendations to council. They’ll be surveying their own student population. They’ll be attending council meetings. Their voice will be heard.”

The course includes full council sessions being held at the school with presentations by student groups.

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McKay says it’s the kind of social responsibility being seen more and more these days by students.

“This isn’t the old days where the text book was probably somewhat out of date by the time it rolled off the printer was the source. These young people will be studying, considering issues that are in real time.”

As part of the course, the students will have to report back to the community and the school as well as have written reports in the media.

McKay says sees this as a growing trend.

“Especially for young people who are in their last couple or three years in high school where they’re about to step out into a world where there’s a lot more flexibility, a lot more responsibility.”

One student has also been chosen to attend the upcoming UBCM conference in Vancouver.

The course was developed by teacher Graham Gomme and Salmon Arm Councillor Tim Livery.

As well, a guest speaker resource list is being developed for teachers of city staff and council available to present to senior high school classes on a wide range of local government topics.

by Tom Mark