Carrickfergus Academy pupils hone debating skills

Sixth form pupils Rachel Johnston, Thomas Blain and Lara Bailey represented Croatia at the Belfast City Hall event, which tackled two of Europe’s most pressing issues — climate change and social media regulation.

Run by British Council Northern Ireland, the event aims to give sixth form students a chance to experience the EU’s decision-making process by representing the 27 EU countries in debates on topical policy issues.

The Mock Council of the European Union debate has been running in Northern Ireland for the past 15 years.

Speaking at the event, Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “Well done to all of today’s students – they all engaged really well throughout the debates and clearly had prepared well for the day.

“As the UK exits the EU, this year’s event is as relevant today as it was 15 years ago. It puts students at the heart of the negotiating table in the EU’s main decision making body.

“In preparation for today, students researched the various positions from the perspective of each of the member states, helping to develop greater intercultural understanding and knowledge of other countries while learning more about the workings of the main decision making body of the European Union.”