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, Mrs Underdown and Mr Seston from our English department have been running a popular Debate Club. Initially, the club was aimed at just Key Stage 3 students, but this has now expanded to include Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students.

By having all year groups involved, 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.

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.

Sixth Former, Zion Serino-Jordan said: “I was taken aback by the strengths and how articulate some of the younger students were. It has been refreshing to reach out and connect with the younger members of the school in a friendly debate.”

If any students wish to join the Debate Club, this takes place at Wednesday lunchtimes in room F16. We would like even more students to get involved, especially as there are future plans of an inter-school debate across all four Trust schools.