Politics of European Union Brought to Life for Oasis Academy Hadley Students

At a time when the European Union is never out of the headlines, its politics and decision-making were brought to life for two students from Oasis Academy Hadley last week when they took part in a Mock Council of the European Union.

The students, Burak Kadrioglu, Ananna Zaman and Hazal Bulbul joined 27 secondary schools and colleges from across England in London's historic Lancaster House on 17 November to debate and make decisions on the Arab Spring and economic growth. The event was organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council and the European Commission and was held during International Education Week.

Each school represented one of the 27 EU Member States, the European Commission or General Secretariat of the Council. Oasis Academy Hadley represented the UK

Sean Costello, Learning Coordinator said:
"The students were so grateful to be invited to the FCO for a briefing on the UK's position on the debating topics - they have been talking about nothing else since. Following the Mock Council they will be giving an assembly and presentation to the sixth form to explain the event. It was truly inspirational for them and they are really focussed not only on the Mock Council but also their studies and university applications, and we can't thank the FCO enough."

Hadley Academy Sixth Former Hazal Bulbul said:
"It was great to meet Simon Manley, the FCO's Europe Director and policy officials, to have conversations with them as equals and feel our thoughts and opinions were valued."

Burak Kadrioglu added:
"The views and issues were extremely eye opening; of not only the severity of the situation facing the Arab world but also the consistent efforts of UK officials to solve them on a daily basis."

Lynne Dawes, Principal said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about the politics of the European Union. I am very proud of the way they researched, debated and presented their case at the Mock Council. It is a fantastic event that truly brings learning to life for our students."

Many of the students who participated in the Mock Council were selected from the British Council's Comenius programme, an EU-funded scheme that aims to develop knowledge and understanding of different European cultures and languages, and helps young people gain skills for their future lives and careers. The event in London was one of a series of Mock Council events taking place in England, Northern Ireland and Wales this autumn.

The Rt. Hon David Lidington, Minister for Europe, said: "The EU Mock Council is an invaluable opportunity for students to test their debating and negotiation skills. The event provides an excellent platform for students to understand how the decision making process of the EU really works. I hope it encourages students to consider the wide range of opportunities open to them within the EU."

Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair, British Council said: "It's great to see young people engaging with the mechanisms of Europe. The British Council works hard to build and ensure cultural understanding between the UK, Europe and countries around the world through initiatives such as the European Union's Comenius programme and is pleased to be able to offer events to our up-and-coming young leaders through initiatives such as the Mock Council."

Jonathan Scheele, Head of the European Commission Representation in the UK, Chair of the working session on economic growth, said: "There are many misunderstandings in the UK on how Europe works and today's event provides an invaluable experience for youngsters to experience first hand and "from the inside" the way the EU takes decisions."

The Mock Council concluded with a number of proposals for the Arab Spring States including special visas for young people from the Middle Eastern and North African countries affected, to allow them to study in European countries. The proposals for economic growth included strengthening the governance of the Euro-zone with the possibility of sanctions for members in breach of their obligations and creating greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).