Two Dartford Grammar School sixth formers channeled their inner politicians at a mock-up of a European Union council meeting.

Students from 27 UK schools recently debated European economics at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London; representing the EU Member States, the European Commission and the Council General Secretariat.

Iulia Nita and Jamie Atkins of DGS, both 17, spoke on behalf of Sweden.

“It was very interesting to see how everyone got together and had a very democratic discussion about what was going on,” said Iulia.

“As Sweden you don’t really have any power to do anything so you have to compromise a lot.”

“We had all these other countries come up to us saying, ‘we’ll back you if you back us’!”

The main focus of the debate was the EU’s Digital Single Market and Circular Economy, which aims to unite Europe’s various markets under one banner.

It provided an insight into how EU Member States work with each other and to debate and shape policy and have students a chance to put their studies into practice.

“We always hear about what the EU is like, but it is different to turn up to the Foreign Office and actually be in that situation,” said Jamie.

“I was not really sure about what to expect but it was quite easy to fit in on the day.”

“Experiencing it so close to the real thing has definitely got me thinking more about that career path now. I really do enjoy politics and the idea of working with other countries.”

Although politics was the obvious focus, the experience was also geared towards developing students’ language skills.

DGS language teacher Alexander Cattell was involved in selecting Iulia and Jamie for the event and believes it will prove invaluable.

“They did really well to get selected and it was a great experience for them,” he said.

“It was a good way of developing their research and debating skills, and as our students do the IB (International Baccalaureate) we see languages as integral.”

“Because we don’t have the language skills that other countries have I think it is something the government is really pushing.”

The event was organised by the British Council in conjunction with the European Commission, with both organisations aiming to encourage young people to enter the world of continental politics.

Jacqueline Minor, Head of the European Commission Representation in the UK, said: “The topics discussed today may contribute to an informed decision by those students who will vote in the forthcoming EU referendum, whilst the debating and drafting skills acquired will serve all the students throughout their lives”.