Democratic learning

Trip to Brussels
From 20th–23rd December, QE students from Years 11-13 took part in an European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) trip to Brussels. The visit included trips to the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament, giving students a valuable insight into the workings of the European Union. Alongside this, students explored Brussels’ rich cultural heritage…

European games at the Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair is an annual event at SHS, which raises funds for the Stroud Women’s Refuge. The EPAS Junior Ambassadors organised an EU guessing game where the answer to each question was an EU country, which students could then pin the colour of the question onto the corresponding country on the map. See more…

Meeting of the ambassadors
The meeting organised by our president in order to discuss and finalise roles, timelines and accreditation our ambassadors held a scheduled meeting after school in the Master’s Boardroom. We intend to do this on a fortnightly basis to keep on top of changes and maintain regular communication. Our president also introduction the EPAS scheme to…

Annual Cultural Appreciation Day
Carmel College was alive with colour, rhythm, and unity today as students and staff came together for the annual Cultural Appreciation Day; a vibrant celebration honouring the rich diversity that shapes the college community. The campus transformed into a lively showcase of music, movement, and tradition. Students arrived in beautiful traditional dress, and the day…

Priestley participate in Euroscola online
The Senior Ambassadors organised an online EUROSCOLA event on the 4th December 2025 where students at Priestley College from the French, German and Politics department took part. One student in particular was very brave and joined online by asking a question to Dimitra LIVERI, Head of Resilience of Critical Sectors Unit, European Union Agency for…

Trip to European Parliament in Strasbourg
The Euroscola group headed to the European Parliament where they took part in debates with young people from across Europe. This helps to inform the EU on the views of young people around AI, Disinformation and possible solutions. Our students also learned about the work of MEPs and were inspired by action on protecting Human…

Our President participated in the European Educational and Skills Summit 2025
The summit was a chance for me to share my thoughts about youth participation in the EU. At the summit numerous representatives of the educational bodies, European leaders and business representatives were present. On the summit we agreed that we will create a scheme for young students in secondary schools which allows them to have…

Carmel Student Represents St Helens Youth Council in House of Commons Debates
Last week marked an inspiring milestone for one of our students, Anja Gocesvska, who travelled to London to represent the St Helens Youth Council at the House of Commons. Taking her place in one of the most significant political chambers in the country, Anja joined young representatives from across the UK to engage in a…

Info Point
The Junior Ambassadors have arranged information on the European Parliament to be shown on the information screens around the school on regular rotation. This means students all around the school are being exposed to information on the European Parliament as part of their daily routine. EPAS Team Comment An excellent InfoPoint. Love the focus on…

Junior Ambassadors contribute to House of Commons inquiry
As part of a national inquiry by the Women and Equalities Committee in the House of Commons, Junior Ambassadors from Carmel College engaged in a thoughtful and critical discussion exploring how the “manosphere” and other online content are fuelling misogyny. Their conversation aimed to provide evidence on the impact of this content on young people’s…

Govan High Pupil Council Elections
Govan High Pupil Council Elections for year groups S1-5 took place this afternoon. Pupils elected one representative from their year group, and learned about the voting and counting processes. S6 have already voted for their school captains who will represent the year group on the pupil council going forward. EPAS Team Comment Great to see…

Lecture on 20th Century Hispanic Dictatorships
Dr Stephen Fay, who has lived and worked in Latin America and now teaches at the University of Surrey, spoke about the differing nature of the dictatorships of the 20th century and their relationship with the USA and former colonial powers. Students were able to ask and answer questions throughout and SHS students won three…

EPAS Together Transnational Event Warsaw
Six senior Govan High pupils and two members of staff took part in the EPAS Together Transnational event in Warsaw in October. This was such a fantastic experience for everyone involved which enabled pupils to engage in cultural exchanges, democratic learning and take part in workshops exploring issues important to them. In particular, pupils enjoyed…

EPAS Together Transnational Event (Warsaw, Poland)
European Parliament Ambassador Schools representing the UK, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia were selected to attend this transnational event from 15th – 18th October, in Warsaw. Having been an active member of this programme since 2023, Clyst Vale was thrilled to receive an invitation. Our delegation consisted of five Y13 students: Darcy, Liv, Mimi, Rebekah and…

Pupil Forum: Girls 4 Equality Event at Glasgow City Chambers
Junior pupils attended an event called ‘Girls 4 Equality’ at the City Chambers in Glasgow. They engaged in discussion with other schools about inspirational women and issues that affect them in school based on their gender. The purpose is that this will be a 6 year campaign involving girls across the city to have greater…

Junior Ambassadors Gain Firsthand Experience at Labour Party Conference
This week, three of our Junior Ambassadors at Carmel College had the exciting opportunity to attend the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, immersing themselves in the heart of British political debate and decision-making. During the event, students engaged directly with key political figures and witnessed major speeches, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s address on Tuesday.…

Debates in French and Spanish about European issues
As part of Languages Week, we enjoyed debating in different languages! At our weekly Sixth Form French debating club on Wednesday, students discussed in French whether France should follow the UK and also leave the EU. In their Spanish lesson on Thursday, Year 13 students debated in Spanish whether Spain’s immigration situation and policies serve…

Trip to the Swiss Embassy
Dr Berg and colleagues at the Swiss Embassy invited Channing linguists to learn about neutrality, democracy and the important role of the Embassy in innovation and technology as well as in diplomacy. EPAS Team Comment We feel this is ‘democratic learning’ as well as ‘cultural exchange’, as diplomacy is a key part of being part…
