The 18 preparation sessions, which span from September 2022 to February 2023, are designed to offer delegates the best experience during the SIMUN XVIII conference. Usually occurring on Fridays at 6:35 PM in the LFS computer room, they are planned as follows:
On December 9th, as practical aspects of the trip to Singapore were being sorted out, delegates gathered to discuss their policy statements. Divided into their committees, they were given an opportunity to share their work with fellow members, to improve their policy statements and opening speeches. Discussions on methodology and approaches to the activities emerged, as the trip to Singapore increasingly takes shape in everyone's mind.
As the delegates gathered on November 25th, in-depth work on country assignments began with delegates starting to write a policy statement which would represent their country's policy in the forum. The delegates tirelessly worked for an hour which allowed them to begin formulating their country's view in formal MUN vocabulary.
Meanwhile, promotion of the project was discussed with some participants in preparation for the following Thursday's parent meeting.
Although independent work remained the principal aspect of the session, delegates helped each other to mutually improve and allow everyone to progress together in this new experience !
On November 18th, the entire group gathered for the first time in a month to learn the committee and country assignments, which had been given by the MUN Directors. These official assignments, which only await confirmation from Singapore, will allow delegates to begin their research on their definitive country and committee.
Delegates began research on their issues, choosing one they would prioritize for resolution-writing.
Successive meetings in groups constituted of half the delegation on October 21st and November 11th gave an opportunity for delegates to share their research and develop argumentation skills. Particular emphasis was put on oral skills, with delegates receiving personal feedback on their speaking as they participated in an oral activity with their fellow committee members.
On October 7th, 2022, delegates continued their research on their temporary country assignment, deepening policy research rather than general information. This gave them the possibility to develop their understanding of the issues and to acquire the methodology required by the rigorous research involved in preparing a SIMUN country policy profile. There was also a presentation of the MUN format through a mock debate by delegates who had been present in the previous year's SIMUN conference.
During the second meeting on September 30th, delegates gathered their background research on each issue in committees. This allowed them to develop collaborative skills and to discuss the matters with other delegates. Common documents were produced, summarizing the research done and allowing delegates to move forward.
Delegates received a first country assignment, different from the one they would have in the SIMUN conference, so that they could begin a mock research on a country's profile.
On Friday, September 23rd, 2022, SIMUN LFS delegates met in person for the first time. They received the list of committees and issues, and chose according to their preference; many chose the Security Council as their first pick. This was an opportunity for each delegate to observe the matters they would tackle and to choose topics that suited their taste and skills. The delegates subsequently began general background research on their issues.
Cost and fundraising issues were also raised during the meeting.
During the first meeting which took place online on Friday, September 16th, 2022, the MUN Directors (Mr. Xavier and Ms. Amach) met with the prospective delegates of LFS. The meeting was an opportunity for the participants to meet, and for the future delegates to have a first insight of what it means to be a delegate. The session covered global aspects such as the importance of preparation and the plan up to the SIMUN XVIII conference; emphasis was put on the THIMUN conference model's particularities.
For the second year running, selected LFS high school students will have the opportunity to participate in the Singapore International Model United Nations (SIMUN XVIII). This year's conference is set to take place in person from February 16th to February 18th, 2023, at the International French School (IFS) in Singapore !!!