Beyond debate the best

Nine boys in Year 13 represented the UK at an International Youth Forum in Istanbul, organised by the European Youth Parliament.

They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to debate with teams from 15 countries and to formulate solutions to some of the most pertinent problems that the world faces today. New friendships were also formed with equally intelligent and lively delegates from other countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and Russia.""

QE boys were highly praised for their professional approach and mature attitude throughout the five-day event, according to QE’s Head of French, Susan Chatterton. The team spent 12 months preparing for the event, holding weekly debating practices and going on visits to the European Commission and the House of Lords. Mrs Chatterton, who oversaw the preparations, took the team from the Regional Forum in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through to the National session in Durham.

The School’s Success in Istanbul has led to several invitations to attend future forums and the team has been accepted on to the International Olympic Forum to be held in Greece in August 2008.