This was a super start to the academic year with our St Kitt’s Academy debating and interview club. It was very good to catch up with old faces and see many new students join the group too.
Having introduced and reviewed debating structure our skill of the week focussed on how to build proposition arguments and the best use of body language during a debate or interview setting. We are looking at achieving detailed Proposition arguments of several points this term – supported by evidence, stories and rhetorical questions.
For warm-up questions we looked at two questions (with 'Why'/justification absolutely crucial):
(i) What was the Highlight from your holidays? &
(ii) What are your goals for the new academic year?
From holidays abroad to cultural visits, sporting adventure and family & friends time, it was great to hear an array of highlights all with good justification – 'because' – key word.
Goals for the term included more focus in school time, exam and school success, more reading time, music grades, and sporting ambition.
Our Newsround (and we encourage the group to be as aware of news and the world around them as possible) took in:
The US Presidential Election
Kamala Harris
The Olympics & Paralympics
The International Space Station
The Sri Lanka vs England Test Match cricket series
Local power shortages/cuts
Our debates covered the motions:
(i) Should the Olympic Rings stay on the Eiffel Tower?; & Should the Mayor of Paris need to consult her constituents?
- the group voted for their removal but for wider consultation. This was seen as an historic monument, whilst also recognising that Paris does not have total claim to the Olympics as it moves around per city/venue with the US to host next time.
(ii) Are there too many exams? (following a BBC/OCR article/review)
- this was more split, but with a sizeable section of the group looking for more 'balance'; and finally
(iii) This House believes we still need coins?
- The group voted in favour with a significant majority, with arguments over practicality, simplicity and helping children learn to count and understand money.
Well done all on a tremendous start to the term!
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