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Best Delegates Award for St Swithun’s at Oxford Global MUN |
Over the weekend, 14 Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students from St Swithun’s School took part in the prestigious Global Model United Nations (MUN), hosted at Oxford University. The event brought together delegations from 90 schools across more than 20 countries, including participants from as far afield as Australia, China, India and Peru.
Against strong international competition, St Swithun’s girls achieved outstanding recognition, with four awards won:
- Best Delegates Award (the top honour) - Olivia LQ and Charlotte M representing Greece in the UN Security Council.
- Outstanding Delegate Award - Amy H representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Commission on the Status of Women.
- Best Position Paper Award - Katie H representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the African Union.
Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations, where students step into the shoes of diplomats to debate pressing global issues. It requires extensive preparation, analytical skills, persuasive speaking, and teamwork which our students demonstrated with remarkable commitment.
Deputy head girl and winner of the Outstanding Delegate Award, Amy, said: “It was a unique and exhilarating experience where I got to interact with so many students from schools across the world. I had the opportunity to not only experience Oxford but also practise my public speaking and thinking on my feet, all of which I think are believe are important skills to have!”
Katie added, “MUN is the most amazing activity because it allows you to practice so many important skills (debating, public speaking, thinking from others’ perspectives). Oxford MUN is one of those opportunities: you share three days with other students from vastly different places and backgrounds and learn so much from them. Winning awards is fun, but the best part is being able to deepen your understanding of the world around you.”
Best delegate award winner Olivia added, “The experience allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone and explore a topic I wouldn’t otherwise have done, whilst forming friendships with the other people in our council from all around the world. It was an extremely enjoyable weekend.”
"The students superbly balanced serious diplomacy with great camaraderie at this global competition. Their impressive achievements are testament to their dedication and the supportive yet challenging environment we aim to foster here in the sixth form.’ Nick Fyfe, Head of Sixth Form and Head of Economics added.
Economics teacher Naomi Cansdale, who accompanied the group, reflected: “All the girls have worked incredibly hard to prepare for the event and of course the experience over the past three days has been very intense. I’m always amazed at their energy levels and commitment but was also pleased to see so many thoroughly enjoying themselves throughout.”
Read more about our sixth form here.
The full St Swithun’s delegation included:
- Edith L
- Kathryn H
- Amy H
- Mariia C
- Amalia S
- Clarissa N
- Emma Q
- Olivia LQ
- Srna G
- Natalie Y
- Anissa S
- Chloe Y
- Charlotte M
- Cecilia F