Senior School | ST2025 | Week 2

From David Glynn, Head of Senior School

Dear Parents,

I will use this newsletter throughout the year to keep you informed of activities, trips and other events that are happening around the College.  It is worth all parents bookmarking the news page of the website, as this is where you will see more detail and some photos of these items.

As part of our studies on climate change in Geography, the Shell pupils took part in a Mock COP29 climate summit. Sixteen country groups, each made up of 4–5 pupils, came together to represent a wide range of global perspectives. After hours of research and preparation, each delegation arrived ready with an opening speech outlining their country’s climate position and priorities. The conference began with a powerful opening address by Aimi, setting a passionate and hopeful tone for the morning. Each country presented their speeches, laying the groundwork for negotiations across the four key climate areas; cities, energy, oceans, and forests & food. The pupils then turned their attention to eight major proposals, debating their merits and suggesting amendments. Each group worked diplomatically to win support from at least five other countries, engaging in discussion, negotiation, and persuasion.

Of the eight proposals, five were successfully passed in their amended forms. Two notable examples included:

• Energy Proposal (proposed by the EU delegation – Alex, Aqil, Yogesh, and Barry):
  Original: “All countries must invest 5% of their GDP annually into renewable energy.”
  Amended: “HICs (High-Income Countries) pay the full 5%, while LICs (Low-Income Countries) contribute 2%, with the remaining funds redirected into building schools and hospitals.”
  Result: Passed unanimously with 16 votes.
• Coal Use Proposal (proposed by Filial, Leo, Zhee Qing, Kurtis representing Nigeria):
  Original: “Countries using coal must shut all coal plants by 2035 or pay a $1 billion fine per year.”
  Amended: “HICs must shut all coal plants by 2035 or face the $1 billion annual fine, which will be directed to LICs to support their transition to renewable energy.”
  Result: Passed with 9 votes.

The level of engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking shown by all pupils was outstanding. The research and effort put in beforehand allowed for a realistic simulation of international climate negotiations. The event showed their geographical knowledge and problem-solving skills in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.  Well done to all of Shell for making this Mock COP29 a great success.

The Lower Sixth Literature and Performance class completed their first IB assessment this week. Students analysed and performed monologues and duologues from Macbeth, showcasing their dramatic performance skills. Monologues performed included the famous “Is this a dagger I see before me…”, “Out damn spot, out…”, and “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…”. One audience member stated that “Each scene had its own compelling moment, and while each piece was from the same play, they were uniquely different in their presentations”.

A reminder that from Monday 5th May, Hundred pupils are only required to come to school for their examinations.  They are welcome to come into the College to study and should register in and out with Miss Izzah in LRC4 when they do so. To ensure the safety and welfare of our pupils, we will also be providing the Hundred and Upper Sixth day pupils with personalised dismissal cards to allow for smooth departure at the gate during their study leave and exam period. Beaks will be available for pupils during study leave where possible, but pupils should email in advance to arrange a time.

Please note that the College will be open as usual on Monday 28th April, with Exeat weekend from Wednesday 30th April at 3.30pm.

Yours sincerely,

David Glynn

Head of Senior School

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