Year 10 Making A Difference Through Debating

Overview of programme;

This education debate programme uses the method of formal debating as a means of tackling serious issues amongst pupils in Secondary Schools. The areas that pupils will focus on are current issues in the media which are having an impact on the depth of division and the level of cohesion in our schools and in the wider communities. As well as educating pupils about the process of formal debating, the main aim of the debate programme is to actively encourage pupils to positively engage in dialogue on issues which are very sensitive and on how to challenge each other’s views in a safe and controlled environment. The method of formal debating will give pupils the ability to be more confident, calm and persuasive when in the process of expressing different points of view. We believe that as well as developing a range of skills and knowledge from this programme, pupils are provided with an opportunity to explore their values deeper and gain confidence in the ability to voice their opinions freely and in a respective manner.
 
In session one, pupils will learn about the process formal and informal debating, they will also take part in a short debate on the scenario of four professionals in a hot air balloon which is coming to ground. Which sole person must stay in the balloon for the sake of society? The motion for debate in this programme is introduced at the end of this first session. In session two, pupils will begin the process of researching a case study which they have been allocated via the internet. Based on information found whilst researching, pupils will complete a task sheet. In session three, pupils will start the process of producing a power-point presentation on their case study. In session four, each group will present their case study the rest of the class, their will be four presentations in total. Two proposers and two opposes for the motion will also be selected in this session. In session five, pupils will write an essay based on their personal views towards the motion. With exception to the panel members, all other pupils will write one question which they will ask during the debate. In session six, pupils will take part in a formal debate of the motion. Building Bridges Pendle will chair the debate, the panel members will make their statements, pupils will ask their questions and there will be a vote at the end of the session.

There are two programmes which have been produced for this year group. Both programmes are not based on key-word vocabulary as are our other education programmes, but are based on their motions and their case studies.

The first programme is debating the motion - “It is the opinion of this house that One Man’s Freedom Fighter is another Man’s Terrorist”

Case studies;

Nelson Mandela
Osama Bin Laden
Martin Luther King
Martin McGuiness

The second programme is debating the motion - “It is the opinion of this house that the different Cultural Communities of Pendle should live side by side and not together”

Case studies;

The British National Party
The Al-Ghuraba movement
The Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland
The diverse community of East Lancashire