More than 1,000 pupils give views on Jersey anthem

Susan Parker, from Jèrriais Teaching Service, and Jersey College Prep pupils Ellia and Savannah presented surveys to Deputy Carolyn Labey

About 1,200 students from Jersey have shared their views on the possible introduction of a national day and official anthem for the island, officials have said.

The Government of Jersey asked whether people thought Liberation Day should be the national day and the song "Beautiful Jersey" should officially recognised as the Jersey anthem.

Two students from Jersey College Prep presented their responses to International Development Minister Deputy Carolyn Labey, who is chairwoman of the Island Identity project.

Pupils from nine schools completed surveys on the consultation and the Jèrriais Teaching Service had based coursework on it.

Cultural values

This year is the 80th anniversary of the liberation from Occupation, which is marked annually on 9 May.

Labey said: "Engaging with young islanders on topics that matter to them is very important and I am extremely pleased that so many pupils have shown interest in our consultation.

"The Island Identity project is here to promote and strengthen Jersey's cultural values."

Year 6 Jersey College Prep student Ellia, 10, said: "I have really enjoyed learning Jèrriais and I am really grateful that I have been involved with the Island Identity Project."

Her classmate Savannah, 10, added: "I love being part of keeping Jèrriais alive."

The pupils handed in a survey completed by children from nine island schools

Susan Parker, from Jèrriais Teaching Service: "Some of my students asked me about the survey, which they had seen in their parish magazines but thought it didn't apply to them.

"I was delighted that there is no minimum age for respondents to the survey, which enabled us to engage with young people aged seven to 18 years from several schools to gather their opinions and ensure that Jèrriais is part of the Island Identity conversation."