Exeter students debate climate change at Model UN conference

Students from West Exe School have taken part in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by Exeter College, debating major global issues alongside older students from across the region.

The Exeter pupils represented Argentina, Cuba, Slovenia and Spain during the event, which saw delegates examine topics including anthropogenic climate change, nuclear activity in outer space and geoengineering.

The conference simulated the work of the United Nations, with students required to research their allocated country, deliver formal speeches and respond to questions from fellow delegates before negotiating potential resolutions.

According to the school, many of the West Exe students were attending their first MUN conference. Despite this, they delivered speeches, contributed to debate and challenged other participants during committee sessions.

West Exe School is part of the Ted Wragg Trust. The school said participation in the conference supports its wider curriculum, including theology, ethics and citizenship, sociology and the West Exe Baccalaureate, which aim to develop critical thinking and global awareness.

Headteacher Julie Fossey said the students had represented the school “extremely well” and had spoken maturely on complex international issues. 

She added that debating and Model United Nations form an important part of preparing young people to be active citizens.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said experiences such as the conference help students to reflect on the world around them and develop skills in debating, public speaking and critical thinking.

The event forms part of a wider programme of enrichment activities aimed at giving Exeter students experience beyond the classroom while engaging with real-world global challenges.