Our successful students from this Spring’s Regional Midlands heats, attended the Summer National Competition at Northumbria University this week. This four day event was a real test of endurance for our students, with a packed timetable of committee work and intellectual debate. Delegates were first eased into the competition with some team building activities. The theme this year was ‘Innovate’, with students debating topics ranging from defence spending, to deep seabed mining, nuclear power, female representation in Parliament and media pluralism.  

Our students joined separate teams this time, mixed in with delegates from many other schools from across the country, which helped them to make new lasting friendships and greatly assisted their ability to work with new team dynamics in future. In fact, the whole event gave them ample opportunity to develop a multitude of skills that will be helpful in the future. For example, students experienced the true meaning of leadership by encouraging team members who were struggling, tested their resilience and commitment by staying motivated through a busy schedule, and further developed their public speaking abilities.

It wasn’t all work, students were able to enjoy some free time in Newcastle, as well as attend a variety of evening entertainment, including a quiz night and karaoke. Our students led a sing-along to Wonderwall and were swiftly joined by many of their new friends (England went on to beat France 6-4 in that evening’s match).

The main aim of this event was to foster inclusion, bringing students from a wide range of backgrounds together to debate the issues of our time. Our students not only made new friends, but were encouraged to be themselves without fear and to step outside their comfort zones, growing their confidence and inspiring and empowering them for the future. Not only this, but students also gained a real taste of university life, living in student accommodation and working on campus.

Our students are keen to encourage our newest cohort of Year 12 students to take part in the competition again next year.

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone at the European Youth Parliament who volunteered their time to organise and support such an enriching opportunity for our students. We further wish to thank the students and staff from all of the other school’s involved, who made our team feel so welcome.