Europa Experience Dublin: An Immersive Learning Opportunity for TY and 5th Year Students

On Wednesday, 17th December, students from the TY Model United Nations class and the 5th Year Politics and Society class travelled to Dublin to visit the Europa Experience, accompanied by Ms Murphy and Ms Denny.

The visit provided students with a valuable and engaging opportunity to deepen their understanding of the European Union and how it functions in practice. Through an immersive 3D seated virtual experience of the European Parliament, students gained clear insight into the differences between the European Parliament and the European Commission, the roles of the various EU Presidents, and the importance of multilingualism within EU decision-making. Observing how languages are translated and accommodated during parliamentary sessions helped students appreciate the inclusive and democratic nature of the EU.

Students then applied their learning creatively by designing their own images featuring EU slogans, reinforcing key themes such as unity, cooperation, and shared values. A particularly impactful part of the visit was the role-play activity, where students debated a real-world issue, negotiated with others, and voted on a proposed new law alongside the Commission. This hands-on experience allowed them to see first-hand how laws are made within the EU and highlighted the importance of placing society and citizens at the heart of policymaking.

The visit greatly enhanced students’ understanding of the European Union beyond the classroom. It encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration, making it an invaluable learning experience that students thoroughly enjoyed.