IMPORTANT DATES:

London 27th November 2008, Three 6^th form students from Sydney Russell School tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the UK and the European Union, when they took part in the first ever mock Council of the European Union to be held in London.

Joining 28 other schools from across the capital and the South East, students "represented" the Heads of State or government of each of the 27 EU countries, the Commission and the Council Secretariat, and entered into lively debates on topical issues including climate change and immigration. Taking place in the historic Locarno Rooms at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, our delegation, representing Finland, learnt more about the main decision-making body of the European Union and practiced their debating and diplomacy skills in a prestigious setting in Whitehall.

Lord Kinnock, Chair of the British Council, said “This is an excellent opportunity for the students to gain a practical insight into how the EU Council of Ministers works and for them to build greater knowledge and understanding of global issues which affect us all now and will shape their future.”

Mr. Sullivan Director of Student Development said of our students, “The three students who took part have done

 

Sydney Russell School Students TAKE ON THE CHALLENGES

FACING EUROPE

us proud. Ore Osuntuyi, Greg Patten and Veneka Sessay worked very hard preparing for this event. They spoke with confidence and acted as foreign diplomats would in negotiating with other student delegations. I am very proud of what they achieved today. This is an invaluable learning experience for all who took part. “

Student, Veneka said, “We were quite nervous before we started. We met after school on several occasions. We want to thank Ms. Hargreaves, Mr. Roberts and Katerine for their advice and guidance beforehand. Without them we would not have had so much to say. All three of us are tired but happy to have taken part.”