School students get to grips with Human Rights issues – University of Reading
08 December 2005
Hundreds of A Level students from all over Berkshire (1) will attend a day conference on Thursday 15 December at the University of Reading which will focus on Human Rights issues affecting young people in Europe and America. The University's Department of Politics has joined forces with TEAM, The European- Atlantic Movement, an organisation dedicated to promoting understanding and discussion of world affairs among young people, to devise a conference programme which it is hoped will provoke thought and debate about some very controversial current issues. Delegates will hear Dr Catriona McKinnon speak on the controversy about the recent ban on religious dress in French schools and Dr Robert McKeever will outline his research into the execution of juvenile offenders in the USA. Professor Chris Lord will present a lecture entitled Protecting Human Rights and the delegates will then have an opportunity to join in the debate about the issues raised. Mr James Welch, Legal Director of the British Human Rights pressure group, Liberty, will give his views on current challenges to safeguarding Human Rights at a time when protecting citizens from terrorism has become a priority for governments across the world. The event is sponsored by Aimhigher, a government initiative to help universities, schools and colleges work together to encourage young people to continue their studies into Higher Education. Jon Bramley, of Aimhigher: Berkshire, said: "We are delighted at the response we have had from schools and colleges. This is a wonderful opportunity for A Level students to understand that going to university is not just about dry academic study – it is about getting involved with ideas and debates on issues that really matter to all of us." End Notes for editors 1. Schools and colleges from Berkshire that will be attending the event include: Bracknell: Bracknell and Wokingham College Maidenhead: Desborough School Newlands School Newbury: Blessed Hugh Faringdon School The Downs School Newbury college St, Bartholomew's School Reading: Bulmershe School, Woodley Ryeish Green School, Spencers Wood Thames Valley University Waingels College, Woodley Willink School, Burghfield Common Slough: Wexham School Thatcham: Kennet School Windsor: East Berkshire College Windsor Girls' School Wokingham: Embrook School Holt School 2. Reporters and photographers are more than welcome to attend the event, but must confirm attendance beforehand. Please contact: Carole Ebsworth Head of Widening Participation The University of Reading 0118 378 6145/6 c.m.ebsworth@reading.ac.uk