Assumption pupils take part in mock European Union debate

Assumption pupils take part in mock European Union debate

13 February 2019

THREE Assumption Grammar pupils ditched their books for a day when they took part in a mock European Union debate last Thursday.

A-Level politics students Niamh Mateer, from Maghera, Ciara Rooney, from Newcastle, and Ellen-Louise Cleary, from Darragh Cross, represented the UK in the debate.

They were joined by other young people from across the province who represented countries in the European Union.

Run by British Council Northern Ireland, the mock debate showed the girls how the EU’s decision making process works. 

Given the volatile political climate in relation to Brexit, representing the UK was a difficult position for the girls to defend said vice principal, Marcelle Orsi, as they faced harsh criticism for wanting to leave the EU. 

She added: “The girls coped admirably with the arguments thrown at them. They were well prepared.

“They had carried out research which helped them to face questions about migration and environmental issues. There was no doubt, they had been given the short straw as the other countries were ready to attack them for their current position in wanting to leave the EU.”

“However, the students put aside their own views and represented the country they were delegated, in this debate. 

“Being the UK is what made it so challenging and also so rewarding as they did a fantastic job.” 

Mrs Orsi said: “Not being able to participate in future debates is only one of the educational detriments to leaving the EU. 

“I think our students are going to be greatly affected on many levels, both in terms of academic opportunities, funding and employment. It is the very people who were not able to vote who will be impacted upon most.”

Ciara said studying A-Level politics definitely helped the girls flex some political muscle in their challenge. 

She added: “We have been discussing Brexit a great deal in class and we felt secure in our knowledge.

“However, what we did find challenging was trying to find out the positions of other smaller EU countries in terms of their policies on migration and the environment.  

“I am very interested in politics and as a language student, I feel it is important we are involved in these debates to ensure we continue to develop our understanding of our European neighbours. 

“What is unfortunate is the fact this might be the last time we will be asked to participate as we will no longer be a member state.”

The debate was organised by the British Council with the aim of developing students’ intercultural understanding of other countries while learning more about the political workings of the various states.