Lawrence Pollit wins model UN summit

Lawrence Pollit, (third from right) with the winning team

Lawrence Pollit, (17), from Norden, led the winning team which went head-to-head with five other top schools in a high-pressure UN summit recently, to thrash out issues regarding the current refugee crisis.

Lawrence, of Bronte Close, Norden, joined students from all across the North West to replicate the high-pressure environment of a UN General Assembly in the model United Nations event, hosted by Abbey College Manchester and organised by the Geographical Association of Manchester.

During the event, at the Unitarian Chapel on Cross Street, each team of students assumed the role of diplomats from 10 different countries to find a resolution to the current refugee crisis.

Abbey College Manchester had two teams, one representing the USA while the other spoke on behalf of Ethiopia. Each country had to outline its policy and opening position regarding the refugee crisis and then negotiations were undertaken between the countries. Deals were struck and a final resolution was voted on and then passed.

The annual popular debate is designed to further the student’s understanding of different cultures, consider different texts from other countries and traditions, practice their speaking, listening, interaction and group discussion skills as well as developing their research and debating abilities.

The main challenge was to demonstrate an understanding of the current refugee crisis and to successfully represent the views and national interests of their assigned country without letting their own personal opinions affect the argument.

The team was given a prize of £15 for each member and to win the team had to show realism of role play, strength of argument, organisation of information, research, public speaking ability and teamwork.

Lawrence was one of 13 students from Abbey College Manchester taking part in the event, and they were split into two teams.

The A-Level Psychology, Art and Photography student, commented: “It was a tough debate this year as everyone had valid points so it is such an incredible feeling that we won. We worked well together as a team and really put our well thought out point across. As these arguments were well researched and represented the genuine beliefs of each country it was very interesting to hear.

“Not only did we learn a lot by focusing on our own selected country but we learned from the other teams about their countries too. Everyone did so well, it was a lengthy debate but we eventually came to a conclusion.”

Abbey College Manchester’s Head of Geography and Environmental Studies, Mike Johnson, said: “All the students were incredibly enthusiastic and put across well-thought arguments to the other contestants and held their own when challenged.

“Lawrence did a great job at the event and was a brilliant team player, he fit in to his role well and should be proud to have achieved the win. It is a fantastic way for students to learn important, current, and ongoing global issues, while developing their communication and leadership skills. We are delighted that the Model UN summit has seen another successful year at Abbey College Manchester.”