Model OxCOP helps pupils feel informed and confident to ask for change

Our changing climate is set to impact every area of our pupils’ lives and futures, and as such we owe them a sound grounding in climate science and its interactions with politics and economics. Yet given the complexity and gravity of the subject matter, at Magdalen College School (MCS) we are also seeking light-hearted ways to approach it, including through role play. This was our thinking as we held the inaugural ‘OxCOP’ (or ‘Oxfordshire Schools Climate Conference) last November – a model ‘conference of parties’, that ran alongside COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The event took place in Oxford Town Hall’s Council Chambers. The authority of the oak panelling and oil paintings seeped into the pupils’ negotiations, and we were so impressed by the resolutions they came up with. These included: ‘Cities committee implores developed countries to fund developing countries, allowing them to invest in rooftop solar energy capacity, supporting renewable energy in cities’, and ‘Signatories: Azerbaijan, China, Barbados, Brazil suggest companies invest 10-20% of net profits of fossil fuels on diversifying and investing into renewable energy.’ If only.

The day began with a talk from the CEO of AimHi Earth, Matthew Shribman, who offered pupils ways to imagine tipping points and climate communication. The OxCOP Presidents, MCS Sixth Formers Oscar and Sasha, then talked through the process for negotiations, giving pupils a crash course in committees, resolutions, and what the goals of the day were. At lunch, disruption occurred in the form of oil reps, fertiliser reps, and car companies looking to delay EV roll-outs. These were arguably the roles the pupils enjoyed the most! Pupils also heard from the Chairs of the Oxford University Climate Committee and Sam Bright of DeSmog, all of whom were attending COP29 and could speak with first-hand authority.

Aside from learning how COPs are structured, assuming and advocating for the different positions and policies of conference Parties gave pupils the opportunity to develop a good understanding of the trade-offs which accompany the climate debate. As they tussled on economic growth versus environmental protection, immediate costs weighed against long-term benefits, they gained an appreciation of the challenge of reaching consensus. Indeed, from pupil feedback, we know one of their key take outs was a better understanding of why we don’t see the progress we need from COPs.

A young man with curly brown hair, dressed in a blazer and white shirt, speaks into a microphone while seated at a wooden desk in a grand, wood-panelled chamber. Next to him, a woman with blonde hair in a dark jacket listens attentively. Small United Nations flags are placed on the desk beside their laptops. The ornate woodwork behind them features a carved crest with the Latin words “Fortis Est Veritas.”

A side view of a young man with curly hair speaking passionately into a microphone at a formal desk. Blue United Nations flags line the desk in front of him. A woman sits beside him, slightly out of focus, while the background shows warm wooden paneling and a blurred portrait.

A group of three young men sit at a raised wooden bench during a formal conference. One in a suit speaks into a microphone, while another in a red jumper and one in a blue suit listen. Behind them, a screen displays a presentation slide titled “Recent COP Outcomes,” and several audience members watch attentively. The setting is a traditional wood-paneled hall with a serious, academic atmosphere.

A further benefit was the opportunity to enhance communication and team-working – often put to the test through the mock-negotiations which ensued throughout the afternoon. Yet despite the USA vetoing every resolution, voting at the end of the day brought unprecedented agreement.

“There were so many great moments but a highlight was seeing the students come together at the end to debate their proposals so fluently … It really brought home to them the complexities in achieving consensus in politics, especially in issues such as climate change.” Partner school teacher.

“A huge thank you for organising today’s OxCOP event! It was a fantastic experience for the students, it was great to see them speaking with other schools and gaining confidence throughout the day.” Partner school teacher.

Like fellow HMC schools, we try to teach our pupils to be good citizens, which can be hard when they feel they don’t have a stake in the major decisions affecting their futures. But while we cannot change what happens on the world stage, there’s no doubt OxCOP has provided a constructive forum for pupil debate. Knowledge is power, and pupils left feeling better-informed to go out into the world and ask for change.

OxCOP ran again on the 6^th November 2025, with more schools than ever, and new committees designed by our students: climate refugees and human rights, ecosystems and agriculture, oceans, energy and resources, industry and development, and reparations. These reflect the ways climate change is already affecting every corner of society. We hope that OxCOP helps pupils better understand the world they are facing, and have fun while doing so.

If you would like to know more information about how we organised OxCOP, please get in touch with Lydia Wainwight at [email protected]

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