Cookstown High students tackle top EU issues

Cookstown High pupils (from left) Dana Flack, Odhran McGranaghan and Amy Dallas, recently put their debating skills to good use when they represented Romania at this years Mock Council of the European Union

Dana Flack, Odhran McGranaghan and Amy Dallas, all six form pupils, were taking part in the annual Mock Council of the European Union, representing countries and recreating the environment of a real Council of the EU meeting.

As part of the event, Cookstown High represented Romania. Now in its tenth year, the annual event is organised by British Council Northern Ireland and the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and saw the students tackle two topical issues: foreign policy and youth unemployment.

Pupil Amy Dallas, who is studying languages for A Level, said: “I’ve had an amazing day debating at Stormont representing Romania. It’s been great to look at things from a different perspective and learn how other countries in the European Union operate, especially in regards to foreign affairs.

“This sort of experience is also great for developing my debating skills and also looks great on my UCAS application. It’s been a really interesting experience and we’re all glad to have been part of it.”

Speaking after the event, Colette FitzGerald Head of Office, European Commission Northern Ireland, said: “The Mock Council provides an ideal forum for students to learn more about European issues and how the EU works in practice.”