Debate Club develops critical thinking skills and builds confidence

Learning to debate provides the opportunity to develop research and critical thinking skills as well as build self-confidence and the ability to listen to others views.

At the start of this academic year, Mr Seston and Mrs Underdown from our English department have been running a popular Debate Club to prepare students for a Trust Debate Competition where they will debate against students from other schools.

The competition is set to take place in the evening on Thursday 25th November 2025 at Spalding Academy and will include Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students from Bourne Academy. There will be a variety of topics debated including AI, the environment, finance and sport.

Details of the event have been sent to parents/carers inviting them to be part of the live audience and give their support. The students involved have put in a lot of effort preparing and it would be wonderful for there to be as many people as possible.

By having all year groups involved in the Debate Club, the students have really excelled themselves with their speaking and listening skills, as each week they share their viewpoints on a range of topical issues and current affairs.

Everyone is equal in the club and students feel empowered to have their views heard from their peers. Not everyone has to speak in front of other students, but as students feel more comfortable they quickly gain confidence.

If any students wish to join the Debate Club, this takes place at Wednesday lunchtimes in room F16 and they can then be part of future competitions.