Ashbourne College Model United Nations Shines at CATS Cambridge Conference
As part of Ashbourne’s extracurricular activities, the Ashbourne College Model United Nations (MUN) club made a strong impression at the CIFE MUN conference held in February at CATS Cambridge. This annual event brings together students from across the CIFE group of independent sixth form colleges and gives them the chance to engage with global issues through a realistic simulation of United Nations proceedings.
Debating Global Challenges at CIFE MUN
Six Ashbourne students took part in the conference, each representing a different country within various UN committees. Over the course of the weekend, they tackled pressing international topics, delivered speeches, and worked with students from other colleges to draft and debate resolutions.
Acting as delegates, they were expected to research their assigned country’s views ahead of time and speak on its behalf during the conference. This experience challenged them to think critically, respond under pressure, and express their ideas with clarity and confidence.
Ashbourne Students Recognised for Excellence
Out of the six participants from Ashbourne, four received individual awards for their outstanding performance. These included awards for Outstanding Position Paper, Best Position Paper, and Best Delegate. These achievements reflect not only the hard work of the students but also the high standard of preparation and support provided by the college.
Why Model United Nations Matters
Taking part in the MUN is not just about receiving awards. It offers students the opportunity to develop essential skills such as public speaking, negotiation, teamwork, and an informed understanding of global affairs.
Being a member of the CIFE group gives Ashbourne students access to exclusive opportunities like the annual conference at CATS Cambridge. Events like these allow students to connect with peers from across the country, deepen their academic interests, and grow in confidence.
Get Involved
The MUN club is open to all Ashbourne students, regardless of experience. Weekly meetings help students prepare for future conferences by developing their speaking, research, and debating skills in a friendly and supportive setting. Such skills not only build confidence but can also contribute to securing places at leading universities. Ashbourne’s strong performance at the CIFE MUN conference shows what students can achieve when they step forward, speak up, and engage with the world beyond the classroom.
1. What is the CIFE MUN conference at CATS Cambridge?
The CIFE MUN conference is an annual Model United Nations event hosted at CATS Cambridge, bringing together students from independent sixth form colleges across the UK. It gives participants the chance to debate global issues, represent different countries, and experience the workings of the United Nations in a realistic setting.
2. What skills can I gain from joining MUN at Ashbourne College?
Students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, negotiation, leadership, and confident public speaking. These skills not only strengthen university applications but also prepare students for careers in politics, law, business, and international relations.
3. Who can take part in the CATS Cambridge conference?
Students from both secondary schools and universities are eligible to participate in the CATS Cambridge MUN conference. Ashbourne College regularly sends a delegation of A-level and GCSE students who are part of the college’s MUN club.
4. Apart from this, are there other MUN conferences that I can take part in?
Yes! Ashbourne participates in multiple conferences throughout the year to give students every chance to display their skills. Read here about our success at the conference at LSE!