Representing Russia and for the second year running, students from the College have been awarded the prize for best team in the Model United Nations (MUN). 

Hosted by Calthorpe Park School, in Fleet, on Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 October 2015, the event saw local students acting in the interests of a wide range of UN member states. Their role was to work collaboratively, passing ordinances and debating contemporary political issues. Ranil Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire and Jason Keen, a political advisor to a Government Minister, both gave speeches to the delegates.

The College entered a record breaking six teams, representing the delegations from Greece, Italy, France, UK, Russia and the USA.  The winning team presented a series of forceful arguments, defending their foreign policy in both Syria and the Ukraine. 

On the first evening, the students used their negotiation skills, in an attempt to convince other countries of their proposals, which would be taken to debate in front of the full General Assembly. Our students did particularly well, getting resolutions on Syria, cluster munitions, nuclear power and the veto through to the General Assembly meeting.   Often these discussions required delegates to make compromises and form alliances, just like a real international conference. 

The second day involved all delegates meeting as a General Assembly, voting on the previous resolutions. France, aware that there was probably little time to negotiate their resolution, quietly pushed an amendment through accepting the ban on cluster munitions, within the first hour. They were also successful in promoting nuclear energy.

Russia's persuasive arguments set them apart and they were declared the best team, for the second year in a row. Jack Day representing France, was also runner up in the individual delegate competition. 

Nathan Scott, Curriculum Manager for Government and Politics, praised all of the students involved "It is really impressive that our students are willing to give up their time to attend these events. The model UN is a fantastically organised conference and I am glad that our young people recognise how important it is."

Jack Bennett, part of the winning team, representing Russia, commented "Model United Nations is a great experience, which really opened my eyes to the world of politics and diplomacy. The MUN really challenged my perceptions and helped me to understand our world a bit better, while developing my skills of debating and negotiating in an accurate simulation of the UN General Assembly. A fantastic opportunity." 

Barnabas Balint, who represented France said “The MUN highlights key issues, that we have to face in our world and gives students like ourselves, an opportunity to try and solve them. This year was particularly busy and exciting, which is a real testament to the efforts of all the organisers and delegates.  It’s amazing to see just how much can be achieved in one day of debate.”

Sophie Brennan, who represented Italy added “The MUN was amazing! It is an experience like no other and definitely an opportunity that cannot be missed.”

Congratulations to the following students who took part: Gabi Clapson, Jas Kett, Sophie Brennan (representing Italy), Jack Day, Barnabas Balint, Rebecca Leahy (France), Josh Nicholson, Jack Bennett, Olly Allen (representing Russia), Oliver Stocks, Prithvi Acharya, Jay Hasler (representing Greece), Annabel Gadd, Sophie Lane, Sophie Emery (representing the UK) and Ria Hasler, Betsey Horton and Megan Gaen (representing the USA).