We are delighted to announce the Christchurch Model EU 2022!
The event will simulate discussions taking place at the Council of the European Union, where ministers from all EU Member States meet to discuss, amend and adopt an EU directive.
The theme of the Christchurch Model EU 2022:
News, Fake News and No News – Freedom of Expression and Information in the EU
The Council of the European Union is the EU’s key (though not exclusive) law-making body, and an important forum for political debate, coordination and decision-making at the EU-level. The Council comprises ministers from each of the 27 Member States of the European Union. They are required to both represent their own national interest, and to find ways to formulate common interests and a European perspective.
Delegates will assume the roles of ministers to debate a draft directive focused on freedom of expression and information in the EU. The lifeblood of democracy, freedom of expression is at the heart of the constitutional order and of the architecture of human rights. But freedom of expression is under threat, as illiberal governments around the world seek to entrench their positions by placing limits on speech, and on the freedom and pluralism of the media.
The Model EU event will allow students the opportunity to examine this fundamental right in the context of the European Union, being tasked with negotiating agreements relating to: (i) misinformation, disinformation and free speech; and (ii) media freedom and pluralism. As a universal right, this subject has direct bearing on students’ own lived experiences, and allows the drawing of lessons and parallels with the New Zealand context. The topic also links with the NCEA Social Studies external standards relating to cultural conflict and ideological responses to issues.
As ministers representing their Member States, delegates will engage in a simulation of high-level political negotiation, seeking to form agreements with like-minded states, and to find the best outcome to address the issues presented. Debate will take place in differing Council configurations and regional break-out sessions, as well as informal side-line negotiations. The event culminates with a full plenary, during which delegates will attempt to adopt the new directive.
Alongside the event for student delegates, teachers are invited to join a one day teacher workshop, facilitated by the Aotearoa Social Studies Educators’ Network (ASSEN).
We look forward to welcoming you to our event.
Watch our 2021 Model EU event video.
Health and Safety
Welfare and Emergencies:
- UC staff and supporting students are very happy to assist you. If you have any concerns, please approach one of us and we will do our best to help
- We have a H&S Form template available for any teachers that wish to utilise it – please contact india.cable@canterbury.ac.nz for this
Resources
Model EU Booklet 2022:
The 2022 Christchurch Model EU handbook is linked here.
Participants will also be emailed a copy of the student handbook, and provided with hardcopies on day one of the event
Teacher Professional Development
Parallel to the Model EU for students, UC is offering a one-day Professional Development Workshop in collaboration with the Aotearoa Social Studies Educators Network (ASSEN), providing teachers with EU Studies teaching resources that link into the NZ context and curriculum related to the Model EU theme. The EU and Europe are very broad areas and fit with many topics and subjects across the curriculum, thus the workshop will be multidisciplinary and facilitated by experienced teacher educators and EU Studies academics. The workshop encourages networking and collaboration with colleagues, and the development of a “network of EU experts in schools”.
The workshop will be split over both Model EU days (2x half days) to allow time for teachers to observe their students, further engage with the material or focus on other tasks.
Workshop times: TBC
There is no registration fee for the Teacher Professional Development Workshop. The NCRE can contribute towards teacher relief per participant which will be paid to the school.
For more information please contact Sabine Chartschenko sabine.chartschenko@canterbury.ac.nz
Why attend a Model EU event?
The EU and Europe do not feature prominently in New Zealand media or the school curriculum, despite its strong impact and influence on this part of the world. The ‘EU in Schools’ project encourages incorporation of EU content into the curriculum by engaging secondary students and teachers in EU Studies.
The project organises Model EU training and simulations for high school students and Professional Learning Development (PLD) workshops for teachers. The Model EU training and simulation events provide students with practical, hands-on experience of the EU’s processes and challenges. Participants are introduced to the EU, its governance and the event subject through interactive and self-directed learning. Themes are relevant to young people and relate to current developments in the EU.
With the help of a grant from the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Programme of the European Commission and the NCRE, we are pleased to offer Model EU Training and Simulation events as well as Professional Learning Development Workshops for teachers across New Zealand.
What is a Model EU event?
The NCRE with funding and support from the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Programme of the European Commission, are pleased to offer Model EU Training and Simulation events to high school students across New Zealand. Students assume the roles of ‘Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)’, representing a political party and a Member State (MS) country. Delegates then work with members of their own party and those with similar interests to form a position on the various issues and find the best outcome to dealing with the crisis. Debate takes place in Committee session over two days and culminates in a Plenary Session at the end of the second day when delegates attempt to accept a new directive. Watch our 2021 Model EU event video
Register Here
Registrations are now closed.