Building Leadership Skills Beyond the Classroom: MUN at Ashbourne
Ashbourne College’s Model United Nations (MUN) programme is a feature of our enrichment provision and a clear reflection of our commitment to supporting every student’s development beyond the classroom. As regularly one of the most popular club at the college, MUN gives your child the opportunity to develop the confidence, communication, and leadership skills that are essential for success at university, and in life.
Through this programme, your child will engage in meaningful academic discussion, negotiation, and diplomacy. These experiences are designed not only to complement their A-level studies, but also to help them grow into a well-rounded, capable and thoughtful young adult.
What Is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations, where students take on the role of delegates and debate current global issues. It challenges them to think critically, speak persuasively, collaborate with others, and develop a broad understanding of international affairs.
At Ashbourne, MUN is not just an extracurricular activity, it is part of a carefully structured enrichment programme that helps your child take intellectual and personal responsibility, preparing them for the expectations of university-level study and professional life.
How Ashbourne Supports Your Child’s Journey
Ashbourne offers students the opportunity to take part in two MUN conferences each year. These prestigious events bring together sixth form students from across the country for formal debate and collaborative problem-solving, all within the framework of real-world diplomacy.
Your child will be fully supported throughout their preparation. Weekly sessions led by experienced staff guide them through key skills such as research, policy writing, speech development and debate strategy. We ensure that students are well-prepared, confident, and able to represent themselves, and Ashbourne, to the highest standard.
Through this structured process, your child will build leadership skills, refine their communication style, and gain practical experience in collaboration and critical thinking. These qualities are essential for academic success and personal growth, and are highly valued by universities and employers alike.
Taking Responsibility and Building Confidence
Ashbourne places great emphasis on helping students take ownership of their learning. Our MUN programme is one of several initiatives that encourage your child to step forward, take initiative, and grow in independence.
By participating in MUN, your child will learn to manage deadlines, take the lead in group discussions, and engage with a range of perspectives. These are not only important extracurricular skills for sixth form students, but also life skills that will serve them well in any future pathway.
Skills Gained Through Model United Nations
Participation in MUN can be a powerful addition to your child’s UCAS application.
One of the greatest benefits of participating in Model United Nations is the wide range of skills your child will develop. These skills extend far beyond the debating chamber and can be applied directly to their academic studies and future career ambitions.
Public speaking is perhaps the most obvious and valuable skill. Through MUN, your child will learn how to present ideas clearly and persuasively, adapt their tone for different audiences, and handle challenging questions with confidence. For students interested in courses such as International Relations, Politics, or Law, this experience is especially relevant. The ability to articulate arguments and communicate complex ideas is at the heart of success in these fields.
Alongside communication, MUN encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. Delegates must research global issues, interpret multiple viewpoints, and form well-reasoned arguments under time pressure. These abilities are crucial for subjects like History, Economics and the Humanities, where evaluation and synthesis of information are core to achieving top grades.
Collaboration and negotiation are equally important. Students learn to listen actively, build consensus, and find compromises that reflect diverse perspectives. These are not only key academic skills, but also essential qualities for professional environments in business, diplomacy and international organisations.
Discover More About Enrichment at Ashbourne
Ashbourne College provides a vibrant and supportive learning environment where enrichment is woven into everyday student life. The popularity and success of our Model United Nations UK programme reflects our broader mission: to offer your child the best possible preparation for their future. To find out more about how we support your child’s development, academically and personally, visit our activities page.
1. What is the Model United Nations (MUN) at Ashbourne College?
MUN is a simulation of the United Nations where students represent countries and debate global issues. At Ashbourne, it is the most popular enrichment activity and helps students build confidence, leadership, and communication skills.
2. How does participating in MUN benefit my child?
MUN develops critical thinking, diplomacy, and teamwork, while boosting public speaking and confidence. These are valuable life skills that support A-level studies, university applications, and future careers.
3. Do students need prior experience to join Ashbourne’s MUN?
No. All students receive full support through weekly preparation sessions led by experienced staff. These sessions cover research, policy writing, speech development, and debate strategies.
4. What opportunities do students have outside weekly sessions?
Ashbourne students attend two of the UK’s most prestigious MUN conferences each year. These events bring together sixth form students from across the country for structured, professional-level debate.