ON the day when heads of European Union countries were meeting in Brussels to decide on the new 7-year spending plan for the EU, two students from Kelly College were discussing the same issue, when they took part in a 'mock council' of the European Union.

Felix Davies and Paulina Tamenaite (pictured left) joined students from secondary schools and colleges from across England, in the historic Locarno Suite of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, to debate and make decisions on how the EU should spend its money and actions to encourage 'green growth'.

The event was organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council and the European Commission and was held in association with International Education Week.

Each school represented one of the 27 EU Member States, the European Commission or the General Secretariat of the Council.

Kelly represented The Slovak Republic.

The students met with politicians, ambassadors and other career diplomats in the sumptuous surroundings of the FCO and were truly able to see the importance of negotiating skills.

As delegates representing Slovakia, they were keen to defend their nation's interests as accurately and staunchly as possible, while forging alliances and commandeering agreements in order to strengthen their position.

The political 'game' in which they participated was a true reflection of reality, albeit shortened, in order for the meeting to conclude in one day.

Teacher Rachel Morel said: 'This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn about the politics of the European Union.

'I am very proud of the way they researched, debated and presented their case at the mock council.

'It is a fantastic event that truly brings learning to life.'