2 minute read
Senior School
Citizens the world needs
At MLC, we are committed to the notion of the Senior School being a springboard into adult life and, therefore, the development of students into worldready citizens who are motivated to make a difference.
In January, Senior School students were thrilled to be the only Australian students to take part in the International Model UN (MUN) debate ‘Good COP Bad COP’ organised by Engage with China and hosted by The Grange School in the UK. Involving 140 students worldwide, MUN provided a unique opportunity to debate some of the most pressing issues of climate change policy, and the resolutions made at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Led by Senior School Debating Coordinator and English Teacher, Cecily Tiernan, MLC students honed their skills researching global issues and demonstrating excellent realworld skills of analysis and debate, which was held online in real-time amongst participating schools. Each of the 14 schools involved was assigned a country other than their own to represent and tasked with debating and formulating three resolutions to address climate change, with MLC representing Bangladesh. Year 12 students, Mia Booth and Olivia Larobina, had their draft resolution selected for debate, which was a testament to the strength of their research and arguments. As a result of their selection, they had large speaking roles and collaborated extensively with the other students. Mia describes the process as, “intriguing”, especially in the way that the negotiations evolved. “Aspects of our plan to combat climate change were amended or omitted in the name of securing support from other nations,” she says. Each student had the opportunity to put forward points of information, suggest amendments, and analyse the arguments of others. Olivia reflects on their experience: “The opportunity to collaborate with so many like-minded individuals on the issue of climate change was a large honour, with the high standard of diplomacy and negotiation skills present across the conference providing an engaging way to discuss important topics and reflect on the views of both ourselves, and governments across the world.” “It was so interesting to hear from all of the different schools from around the world and has absolutely made me even more motivated to pursue a similar path”, says Chloe Rheinberger, Year 12. Jasmine Xu, Year 12, agrees: “it was such an amazing experience meeting passionate, talented students from all over the world, and hearing from such a diversity of perspectives.” These students have already made a mark on the world, and will, no doubt, continue to do so as they build on such rich learning experiences.
The Model UN participants Jasmine, Mia, Clare, Chloe, Adeline and Olivia, (all Year 12) with Senior School Debating Coordinator and English Teacher, Cecily Tiernan.
