EMUN

Model United Nations is still a relatively new, but growing activity at Earlston High School. It has been taken on enthusiastically by those pupils that have become involved and we hope, by running our own conference on annual basis, to be able to further develop the skills of our young people who engage with MUN.

Our first conference in 2011 was a huge success, with over 100 delegates from as far afield as Glasgow attending. The next conference takes place on Tuesday 12th June 2012 and we hope to welcome you to this!

The group meets on Monday lunchtimes to debate topical world issues and to prepare for conferences and is guided by Modern Studies teacher Mr Burrell.

Model United Nations helps our young people to become:

Confident Individuals – developing their public speaking and presentation skills as well as the ability to think on their feet in debates on complex issues. The mix of schools, both private and state, selective and comprehensive, that attend MUN conferences allows our pupils to develop social confidence as well.

Responsible Citizens – by engaging with world affairs, our young people have a stronger sense of the many and multi-faceted problems facing the world. There are often no easy solutions, and by representing a country and culture different to their own, they develop empathy and understanding of other points of view.

Effective Contributors – by researching global issues and trying to find solutions, our young people contribute to a better future. They may or may not be the leaders and policy makers of tomorrow, but Model UN makes them better placed to be involved and engaged with political, environmental and social issues.

Successful Learners – the knowledge gained through the research and understanding of a wide range of global issues is invaluable, as is the understanding of the relationships between countries. Pupils are guided but basically do all the research themselves – true independent learning at its best!