Congratulations to six pupils from Years 6, 7 & 8, who won the Mini Model United Nations trophy at Bryanston School!
The six pupils were representing Ghana as Barbara Langford, Deputy Head - Academic, explains: "20 countries (20 different schools) met at the event. Each of our pupils had to discuss and investigate global issues from Ghana’s perspective, using simplified forms and protocols of the United Nations.
“Xander and Daisy were members of the International Labour Organisation and debated Tackling Modern Slavery. Mya and Freddie were members of the United Nations Security Council debating Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea and Emily and Isaac were in the United Nations Children’s Fund debating Supporting the Climate-Changed Child.
“All the children taking part had to make sure they followed the UN principles: Peace and Security, Human Rights, The Rule of Law and Development. Respect and empathy were also needed when debating between the different countries and our pupils particularly enjoyed making alliances with the other countries during the lunch break, so that they could get votes and support in order to reach a compromise position in the afternoon sessions.”
Empathy is one of our key learning strands (HPL Empathetic) and this type of competition reinforces all the main principles: being collaborative and listening to the views of others and being able to add your own ideas and contributions; showing concern for society; demonstrating citizenship and being aware of others' cultural heritage and being sensitive to the moral issues raised; and finally being intellectually confident enough to recognise when you need to change your beliefs based on additional information or the arguments of others.
Points were awarded though the day for well written draft resolutions, resolutions selected to start debate, speaking well in debates, working hard to reach agreements with other countries and well thought out amendments.
Mrs Langford added: “I am so proud of the children. Lots of hard work and independent research from the team really showed on the day and Ghana (Westbourne House) was awarded the trophy for overall best delegation.
“It was a wonderful experience for our young pupils to collaborate with other countries (pupils) and discuss pressing world issues. The standard of research and debate was fantastic across the board. The Bryanston sixth formers were kind and encouraging, helping the pupils through the UN protocols.
