Debating the debate? The consensus around debating in schools
Debate has always been inextricably intertwined with democracy; from the Greek agora in Ancient Athens to the current state of the British parliament, it has become the vehicle of freedom of speech and confrontation of opinions.
As open democratic places, schools allow students to experience, both inside and outside the classroom, public and responsible speaking. Debating is a key skill in education; it does not only teach pupils how to win an argument, but also develops a crucial academic, social and professional skill set.
It requires students to engage with new concepts and unfamiliar language, to recognise and acknowledge how others think, to research and critically analyse current pressing issues. They become comfortable and good communicators, learning how to express their thoughts clearly and fluently. Debate also improves creative thinking, problem solving and active listening and ultimately, it increases students’ self-confidence, resilience and empathy.
Universities like Oxbridge and the Ivy League colleges, as well as world leading companies, are looking for applicants with a debating background; many lawyers, teachers, public relations officers, radio and television personalities, and prominent public figures can testify to the benefits of debating.
In Putney High School, we aim to provide an environment which stimulates intellectual agility and independence of mind, offering all Senior School girls the chance to join our debating society. It meets every Wednesday at lunchtime.
The aims of the society are to develop the skills and confidence required for engaging in public debate and speaking in front of large audiences as well as helping pupils to engage positively with moral, ethical and political issues which affect all of our lives. We enter a range of debating competitions such as the London Junior Debating League, the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition, The London Middle School Debating Competition, The Chrystall Prize and the ESU-MACE debating competition.
This year, year 11 Imaan Ahmad won the Chrystall Prize, speaking on ‘The best possible time to be alive – reasons to be cheerful in 2015.’ “Taking part in this competition involved four months of research, planning and writing about complex topics,” says Imaan. She adds: “The hardest aspect of writing was thinking of thought-provoking ways to present my viewpoint. I am so proud of the speech I created and my interests in speech-writing and politics have been encouraged by my success.”
Year 10’s Lara Brown, who won the prize for best speaker at the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition, has debated since Year 7 and “can’t imagine [her] life without debating”. It is an “intellectually inspiring and exciting activity. I love it, it makes me feel alive. It has given me confidence in expressing my opinions,” she says.
Putney’s Year 10 debating team of Lara Brown, Rosie Kent and Lucy Pummell at the ESU Churchill National Public Speaking Competition. Rosie Kent was awarded the prize for best chair and Lara Brown won the award for best speaker.
