Citizenship and Model UN

Programme of study requirement

Model UN work

Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens

1(a) the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how [these] relate to young people

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its accompanying Conventions can be used as a Model UN issue

1(g) the importance of resolving conflict fairly

A Model Security Council can be held on a current or historical peace and security issue

1(h) the significance of the media in society

Critical reading of a wide range of sources is vital to Model UN preparation; participants in a Model UN event can play the role of the press corps

1(i) the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the EU, the Commonwealth and the UN

Understanding the relations between countries is an important part of the preparation and negotiating process in a Model UN event; delegates learn about the UN’s role through participating in a Model UN event

Developing skills of enquiry and communication

2(a) think about topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issues and events by analysing information and its sources, including ICT-based sources

Model UN events are designed to address topical issues; many sources of information are used (especially internet-based resources) and analysed during the negotiation process

2(b) justify orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events

Model UN participants have to research their issue and write a position paper; they have to be ready to answer questions and prepare questions for others

2(c) contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in debates

The whole class can be involved in determining the delegates’ positions on the issue under debate; delegates take part in debates and negotiations, prepare and give speeches and respond simultaneously

Developing skills of participation and responsible action

3(a) use their imagination to consider other people’s experiences and be able to think about, express and explain views that are not their own

Model UN delegates present views which are not necessarily their own and may represent any country in the world

3(b) negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in both school and community-based activities

Participating in Model UN demands commitment and a sense of responsibility towards other participants; negotiation forms a key component of Model UN work

3(c) reflect on the process of participating

Model UN participants can feed back to their class and evaluate their experience

Programme of study requirement

Model UN work

Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens

1(a) the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society…and how they relate to citizens

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its accompanying Conventions can be used as a Model UN issue

1(f) the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally

Participants in Model UN events learn about the role of UN bodies and non-governmental organisations and how to influence their actions

1(g) the importance of a free press, and the media’s role in society, including the internet, in providing information and affecting opinion

Critical reading of a wide range of sources is vital to Model UN preparation; participants in a Model UN event can play the role of the press corps; Model UN participants can create their own website

1(i) the UK ’s relations in Europe , including the EU and relations with the Commonwealth and the UN

Understanding the relations between countries is an important part of the preparation and negotiating process in a Model UN event; delegates learn about the UN’s role through participating in a Model UN event

1(j) the wider issues and challenges of global interdependence and responsibility, including sustainable development

Participants in Model UN events learn about how states interact with each other; a Model UN event can be based on the UN Commission on Sustainable Development

Developing skills of enquiry and communication

2(a) research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics

Model UN events are designed to address topical issues; many sources of information are used (especially internet-based resources) and analysed during the negotiation process; statistics are an important source of evidence and students have to present them and answer any challenges

2(b) express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events

Model UN participants have to research their issue and write a position paper; they present their arguments orally and have to be ready to answer questions orally and in writing and prepare questions for others

2(c) contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates

The whole class can be involved in determining the delegates’ positions on the issue under debate; delegates take part in formal debates and negotiations, prepare and give speeches and respond simultaneously

Developing skills of participation and responsible action

3(a) use their imagination to consider other people’s experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own

Model UN delegates present views which are not necessarily their own and may represent any country in the world; they must negotiate with delegations expressing differing views

3(b) negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities

Participating in Model UN demands commitment and a sense of responsibility towards other participants; negotiation forms a key component of Model UN work

3(c) reflect on the process of participating

Model UN participants can feed back to their class and evaluate their experience