Our Citizenship Studies class recently welcomed representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for an engaging and informative workshop.

We learnt that the FCDO is responsible for representing the UK’s interests overseas, strengthening relationships with other countries, protecting British citizens abroad, and tackling global issues such as conflict, climate change and poverty. We also explored the role of a diplomat, discovering how they negotiate with foreign governments, support British nationals overseas, and work to maintain peaceful international relations.

The session also introduced us to the responsibilities of Yvette Cooper in her role as Secretary of State for the FCDO. We learnt how she helps shape the UK’s foreign policy, oversees international diplomacy, and makes decisions that protect the country’s interests while responding to global events.

One of the highlights of the visit was an interactive decision-making activity in which we ranked international priorities, such as attending a COP climate conference in Brazil, advocating for a British prisoner overseas, and providing aid to an impoverished country while considering the role of the media. The workshop concluded by highlighting the wide range of career pathways into government and the FCDO, inspiring us to consider future roles in public service and international relations.

Zainab Al-Hassani, Year 10