On Friday 18 March a group of Sixth Form pupils travelled to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys School, in order to participate in a Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). The MUNA is a simulation of the real UN, and seeks to recreate the competitive forum of international diplomacy. The event attracts students from school across the country, where teams can practise the arts of diplomacy, cooperation, international relations and debate, gaining valuable skills. Teams represent their respective countries, adopting and arguing for the policies of their allocated nation in a variety of committees and sub-committees on a host of different topics. The topics range from ecology and the environment, across the board to human rights.
This marks the first time that Shiplake sent a delegation across and, accompanied by Business and Economics teacher Mr Kevin Bloor, the team of four were looking forward to being part of the assembly. The Shiplake delegation consisted of Claire Fifield, Spencer Smith, Angus Munro and Conor Crowe. The team were required to research and formulate their position in a dynamic, fast-paced and exciting environment. As representatives of Turkey, the Shiplake team were up against such institutions such Eton and Harrow. Mr Bloor was proud to note that the Shiplake pupils ‘did a professional job throughout, gaining a great deal from the event.’
The first cohort of students to take on such a challenge have left a legacy for preceding teams from the College to enter. Over time and with a few more competitions under the Shiplake belt, Mr Bloor hopes to establish a tradition of involvement and participation in the well-respected event.
