On Friday 6 March, sixteen girls from the Royal High Sixth Form arrived at Kingswood School for the 29th Bath International Schools Model United Nations. Our school sent three delegations representing Cameroon, Mexico and Switzerland. The girls were extremely excited (and a touch nervous) to be joining over 500 other students from schools around the UK and Germany. It promised to be an interesting and enjoyable weekend.

During Friday evening, the girls divided into their chosen committees and lobbied other delegates to sign their resolutions relating to a wide range of issues, from climate change to cybercrime. Saturday morning, each committee debated a number of world issues, following formal UN debate rules. It was an exhausting but brilliant day, with everyone getting a chance to question resolutions, critically probe solutions in an accepting, respectful, yet challenging forum.

On Sunday, emergency situations were proposed and clauses which focussed on the India –Pakistan conflict and the global containment of Coronavirus were debated. They required spontaneous analysis and discussion of solutions for these global emergencies. Finally, they attended the closing ceremony, which rounded off a wonderful weekend. Such was the enthusiasm and passion of the girls from this experience, a MUN club is being initiated.

Below are some of the comments from our girls.

Elena:

“...MUN is probably the best thing I've done so far in the sixth form. From struggling on writing a resolution (which unfortunately got chosen and had to talk about it to my whole committee), talking to many other schools, and debating real-life problems and coming up with a resolution, best experience so far, and being 100% honest, I can't wait to do next year’s MUN.”

Jasmine:

“I am so grateful that we have an opportunity to participate in such a meaningful event. I genuinely loved every second and minute of it! I made so many new friends, met so many new people, and I’ve realized how these international issues were so closely related to every single one of us. Even though the debating process was exhausting and some people were wasting all of our time (LOL), it was still extremely enjoyable and unforgettable as I have learnt so much from other delegates and I have tried my best to participate. Even though I didn’t speak much, at least now I am more confident now in terms of speaking in front of an unknown audience.

Once again thank you so much for the opportunity and I will definitely participate again next year!”

Lily;

“After the 3-day experience in MUN, I've gained so much and felt a great pleasure that I had chosen to attend.

When studying in China, our school ran a MUN club but I missed the opportunity to attend. The way the MUN is hosted here is different from that in China, where the process of the conference was so serious that it made the participants nervous. However, I sensed the hospitality and warm welcome from the students in the economic committee during this MUN debate. Everyone was wearing smiling faces and many were confident enough to stand out and speak up on behalf of the interest of their own countries, which left me with a great impression. In a nutshell, the 3-day journey was really worthwhile. If I have the chance of going next year, maybe better preparation and courage are needed for me to make a difference.”

Laura:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to make friends with whom you share an interest in politics and public speaking. The quality of debating was excellent, and it really opened my eyes to what I could achieve! I am so happy I took this opportunity despite the busyness of year 13, and I will take away great memories!”

Anson: