In February our Model United Nations Society organised and lead a MUN conference in Bad Homburg, Germany. Five of our pupils chaired the five committees and two shared the role of Secretary General.

This event requires motivation, resilience and hard work in the six months leading up to the conference. Our pupils choose the countries which will be represented, decide on the topics for debate, prepare Briefing Papers and, once at the conference, run the event. Staff provide guidance but this is very much a student-led event.

The other participants came from eight schools in France, Germany, Slovenia and Spain. In total, 85 young people took part.

Our pupils developed a wide range of schools including Communication, Cultural Exchange, Democratic Learning, Teamwork and Youth Leadership. The role-play required provides an excellent hands-on approach to democratic learning. Thorough research before the conference also allows participants to learn about the governance of a range of countries. The skills developed are very useful for future studies, work and life. Those who envisage studying law or politics find this experience especially valuable.