This Spring term, Ruth, Leonie and Zosia, three members of the EPAS ( European Parliament Ambassadors Schools ) club had the privilege to travel to Brussels to attend an event held in the European Parliament itself. This event was to celebrate 10 years of EPAS and to participate we had to submit photos of what Europe is to us in one single image. One image was selected from each country in Europe and the winning school got to take three students to Brussels for free to the event. A big well done to Leonie as it was her photo that was picked for the UK winner! Her picture was a photo of her and her sister illuminated in blue light, a symbol of all that the EU stands for.

Throughout this event we got to meet the MEPs ( Members of the European Parliament ), a unique opportunity. We asked questions, brought ideas to the table, and made important contacts for the future. Not only this but we attended presentations and speeches made by people such as Sabine Verheyen ( Vice President of the European Parliament ) and Steve Clark ( The Director for Liaison offices, European Parliament and also the Director of the EPAS program ). These presentations truly inspired us and helped us to discover the endless possibilities Europe has to offer.

After returning from Brussels, we shared our experience with the wider school community. We wrote an article for the school newsletter and visited students across different year groups to talk about the event, what we had learned and the opportunities offered by the EPAS programme. It was a great chance to inspire other students to get involved and to share our enthusiasm for European cooperation and active citizenship.