Ratcliffian 2016 (LOWRES)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
BATH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOLS’ MODEL UNITED
NATIONS CONFERENCE
2016 marked the most successful Model United
Nations Conference yet for Ratcliffe College delegates.
THE RATCLIFFE
SPITFIRE
The enthusiasm with which
they become involved and
very quickly demonstrate
their skills and leadership
qualities is wonderful, and it
is their energy which sustains
the project. This year we
have seen some large and
important acquisitions: a
replica aluminium pilot’s
seat, undercarriage pintles,
as well as a full Mk1a
canopy set, (made by the
same company who supply
the RAF’s Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight). With lack
of space really being our biggest
issue now, we have spent most of
the year detailing frames by adding
the rivets, bolts and other fine
details. Wing spars and ribs are
also underway, and we have also
begun experimenting with adding
some skin using aluminium.
The Ratcliffe Spitfire project is
a major extra-curricular activity,
bringing wide publicity to the
School, and this year we have
once again seen some outstanding
new students join the team.
It is at this stage that we
quickly discover the depth
of skill that the craftsmen,
who built these by hand
70+ years ago, had.
We also welcomed Bob
Mcluckiea, new adult
member to the team, an
ex-RAF Vulcan pilot who
has built his own plane.
Mr D Berry
Head of Art
and Design
Eleven students accompanied by
Mr Cantrill, Head of History, and
Mr Lambert, Head of Geography,
attended the 26 th Bath International
Schools Model United Nations
Conference at Kingswood
School. The students formed two
delegations, Colombia and Pakistan,
providing an interesting array of
geopolitical issues and perspectives.
Friday evening presented an opportunity for delegates to
network with colleagues from around the world as lobbying
commenced. This intense period of political jostling saw our
delegates forge alliances and seek support for resolutions
covering a wide sphere of issues including LGBT rights,
access to education for women and nuclear disarmament.
Saturday and Sunday saw the
conference in full swing with
delegates sitting in their respective
committees debating resolutions.
Luke Gyesi-Appiah, Human Rights
2 delegate for Pakistan, opened
up his committee proceedings with
a lively resolution pushing for the
limitation of rights for LGBT people
and the preservation of sovereignty
with regard to laws relating to cultural acceptance. One
of the key skills developed for the students participating
was an ability to argue for points of view they might not
personally agree with, and Luke did so with aplomb. Luke
garnered fervent support for his resolution from a number of
nations, including strong support from a number of African
delegations. Ultimately, the resolution failed to pass but
Luke’s public speaking and debating skills were exceptional.
Later in the proceedings Holly Blount, delegate for Colombia
in Human Rights 1, presented a well-structured resolution on
the rights of women, including a focus on promoting equal
access to education and the workplace.
Holly spoke well in front of a large committee,
fielding questions and gaining widespread support.
The resolution was passed, a great achievement, and
only the third time a Ratcliffe student has successfully
presented a resolution. Saturday finished with
students in high spirits, and the day was completed
by a trip to
a restaurant
and visit to the
cinema.
Sunday saw final debating and
committees presented with an
emergency scenario for which swift
action was required. The Conference
finished on the Sunday with the Closing Ceremony, during
which delegates who had stood out for their political
debating prowess were recognised. Joey Higham was
recognised as a Commended Delegate on the Disarmament
Committee, whilst Max Gilliver and Luke Gyesi-Appiah
were Highly Commended Delegates in the Human Rights
committees. All three were part of the Pakistan team,
which was recognised as a Commended Delegation. This
was the first time a Ratcliffe College delegation has been
commended, an outstanding achievement, and one of
which all the students should be extremely proud. All eleven
students contributed within their committees, whether it be
proposing amendments or debating whole resolutions. We
hope the experience served all the students well and that
they will benefit from the political insight gained, and look
forward to a bright future for MUN at the College.
Mr J Cantrill and Mr M Lambert
MUN Co-ordinators
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