Aspiring diplomats from West Exe School proudly represented their school at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by Exeter College.

Taking on the roles of delegates from Argentina, Cuba, Slovenia, and Spain, the students spent the day debating key international issues, including anthropogenic climate change, nuclear activity in outer space, and geoengineering.

The West Exe team asked insightful questions, shared their opinions, and delivered confident speeches, all while debating against older and more experienced participants. For many, it was their first experience of an MUN conference.

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, prides itself on providing students with opportunities to shine in and out of the classroom, helping them develop practical skills and a strong understanding of the world around them.

The conference allowed pupils to build debating, public speaking, and critical thinking skills while learning about international relations and global diplomacy. It links closely to the school’s wider curriculum, including courses such as theology, ethics and citizenship, sociology, and the West Exe Baccalaureate, all designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and help students explore their self-awareness and role in the world.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said:

“We are incredibly proud of how our students approached the conference, particularly as this was the first Model United Nations event for many of them. They spoke maturely about complex issues and represented the school extremely well.  The MUN and debating form a critical part of the work we do to prepare our young people to be active citizens in the world around them. We're empowering them to go out and make the world a better place!”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Experiences like this help young people think carefully about the world they live in and the part they can play in shaping its future. It is encouraging to see West Exe students engaging so positively and developing their debating, public speaking and critical thinking skills.”