The Mock European Parliament
Debate on European Convention of Human Rights/the Developing World
and topical Eropean events
PREPARATORY WORK PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY
Based on the pack (relevant websites, reading material/maps) sent by CEWC NI and the British Council prior to the First Meeting the students will start an initial research on EU and my country's profile using the CEWC NI website and other website/resources. Each school selects a block of 3 countries (3 pupils will represent one country and research their country profile responding to some specific questions and saving the relevant information and data on the floppy disc for the later use/activities).
FIRST DAY - Training Day 9.30am-2.30 pm
Venue: Antrim Board Centre
Date: 3rd May 05
Icebreakers
- EU-unrelated Icebreakers
EU-related Icebreakers
Presenting the countries
- Pupils from different schools will have a chance to choose a EU country prior to the Training Day (Fax or Email).
- Nine schools providing 3 teams of 3 (9 schools x 3 countries = 27 countries)
Input on the EU its history, structures, role and its current situation, overview of the EU Constitutional Treaty
- The input will be delivered by CEWC NI and the British Council (the use of powerpoint and other resources). This can be carried out in a form of a quiz 'who wants to be millionaire'
- A consolidation exercise on the EU knowledge in groups using a table with empty spaces to complete
Workshop on the EU Convention of Human Rights
- Short talk on the EU Convention of Human Rights and developing world related issues
- Text-based activity 'Which Michael's rights are being infringed'
Debating procedures
- Line Debate on 5 statements in relation to European events, EU conventions of Human Rights/Developing World
- Study the EU debating procedures
- Presenting 5 motions to choose for the debate (explaining the role of the CEWC NI website)
Tasks between the first and second session:
Research
- Consolidation of the research on EU and my country's profile using the CEWC NI website and other website/resources (3 pupils per country research their country profile responding to some specific questions and saving the relevant information and data on the floppy disc)
Choosing motions
- Choosing 5 motions from the website and sending CEWC NI/British Council the chosen motion (each schoo has to prepare itself for proposing or opposing one motion-preparing short speeches).
Studying the Debating Procedures
SECOND DAY - Main Event 9.30 - 2.30 pm
Venue: Stormont
Date: 21st June
Talk by a guest
Consolidating of the research/Competition
- Having researched their country's profile the pupils representing different countries will carry out a drama activity (tableau or posters or dance) representing a cultural feature from their country. The rest of the students have to guess what country it is.
Lobbying
- Explanation what Lobbying means
- Lobbying sessions on the motions relating to the EU Convention of Human Rights, EU Constitutional Treaty and Developing World will take place at the same time
Debate in the Senate Chamber, Stormont
- Students in their countries are now adequately equipped with the knowledge on their countries Human Rights, Developing world issues and debating procedures to carry out an effective debate on EU Convention of Human Rights and the developing world issues.
- The students will carry out a practice debate to familiarise themselves with the technology in the council chamber and to try out their debating skills following the EU debating procedures.
- The main Debate (proposing, seconding, opposing, seconding, the debate from the floor and voting)
Formal Lunch in Stormont
The results of the Model EU Parliament relating to the EU policies towards the EU Convention of Human Rights/the developing world and the EU Constitutional Treaty will be published on the CEWC NI website and sent to the UK office of the European Parliament.
The following skills will be practiced and consolidated throughout the project: effective communication, working with others, reaching consensus, empathising, ICT, research and analysis, lobbying and debating skills.
This project is a joint venture initiative between CEWC NI and the British Council
If you wish to enrol your school for this event please send us an email.
