We have a thriving Debating Society which is part of the DEBATEMATE programme and is highly successful in local and regional competitions. Pupils take part in debating competitions and receive coaching from skilled debaters. They also have the opportunity to visit prestigious venues throughout the year.
We have debating skills embedded throughout our curriculum and. This gives children great accountability for their learning, as well as allowing them to deploy and develop their oracy skills.
Debating skills are a valuable and important asset for pupils to learn in school for several reasons.
Academic and Professional Excellence:
Debating helps pupils develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for academic and professional excellence. By participating in debates, pupils learn to analyse complex issues, construct arguments, and defend their positions with evidence and reason.
These skills are useful not only in academic contexts but also in professional settings, where the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is highly valued.
Enhances Research Skills:
Debating also enhances pupils’ research skills. When preparing for a debate, students must conduct thorough research on their chosen topic, which involves finding and evaluating reliable sources of information.
This research helps pupils develop their ability to gather and analyse information, a skill that is useful in many areas of life, including academic and professional settings.
Develops Problem-Solving Skills:
Debating is also an effective way to develop problem-solving skills. By engaging in debates, pupils learn to identify problems, analyse different perspectives, and propose solutions. This process requires creativity, flexibility, and the ability to think on one’s feet, all of which are valuable skills in many contexts.
Increases Emotional Intelligence:
Debating can also increase emotional intelligence. By participating in debates, pupils learn to communicate effectively with others, listen actively, and empathize with different perspectives. This helps pupils develop greater self-awareness, self-regulation, and social awareness, all of which are important components of emotional intelligence.
Boosts Confidence:
Debating can boost pupils’ confidence. By learning to construct and defend arguments, pupils gain greater self-confidence in their abilities to express themselves and communicate effectively. This confidence can spill over into other areas of their lives, including academic, social, and professional contexts.