STUDENTS from Sir John Talbot's school in Whitchurch have had a taste of virtual geopolitics after attending the first-ever online Shrewsbury Model United Nations Conference.

Hosted by Shrewsbury School, it was a successful virtual event conducted through Zoom and attended by more than 200 delegates from across 11 different schools.

A group of sixth form students from Sir John Talbot's School had the opportunity to take part and join in with the lively debates.

Students, Holly Gilbert, Betsy Holmes and Zara Leary were SJT's representatives at the school and represented Sweden on various committees.

"After working closely with Shrewsbury School for a number of weeks as delegates in their weekly virtual Model UN debates we had already attended many Zoom conference calls within which we debated a range of topics and really got a feel for what Model UN was all about," said the trio.

"This then enabled us as Sir John Talbot's students, to represent Sweden as delegates of various committees, such as Health, Environment and ECOSOC within the large conference attended by both UK and international delegates.

"The Environment Committee debated clauses over the issue of plastic pollution and the topic of food and water insecurity in less economically developed countries and how the United Nations as a whole can provide better long-term solutions to food and water insecurity, in line with sustainable development goals.

"The Health Committee debated the support that the United Nations can provide to Africa to deal with HIV and the global issue of obesity.

"The ECOSOC Committee debated ways the UN can reduce the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how the UN can support LEDCs in their recovery.

"We found the experience particularly beneficial in developing critical thinking and debate skills and we learned a lot from some of the more experienced members of the committee and are now looking forward to returning to our Model UN meetings with newfound confidence and experience.

"Overall, the day was a great opportunity and we look forward to being able to attend a conference in person in the future."

Meanwhile Michelle Jones, educational improvement director of The Marches Academy Trust Sixth Forms, added: "Model United Nations is a new enrichment activity this year for students at Sir John Talbot's Sixth Form, as we strengthen our partnership work with Shrewsbury School.

"The experience offers the opportunity to build confidence, develop an awareness of global issues and is a valuable way of improving speaking skills through the formal debate.

"My thanks to Year 12 students Holly Gilbert, Betsy Holmes and Zara Leary for sharing their experience and I thank Shrewsbury School for running this virtual event."