It is super to see the progress being made by our SKI Academy Debating group.
Our skill of the week looked at rebuttal, and the importance of active listening to allow the speaker to respond in a debate, how to criticize a point with impact, whilst retaining politeness too.
For our warm-up questions we asked (with 'Why'/justification absolutely crucial):
(i) What do you like to do at your weekends? - this was wide ranging, from swimming, to relaxation, reading and computer games.
(ii) Do animals think?
With many in the group possessing pets at home - this question made for a tremendous discussion. The group overwhelmingly supported the idea of animal sentience beyond just instinct. We also discussed a BBC Today programme item featuring an Octopus study (and their intelligence).
We then turned to a Newsround focussing on:
The UN General Assembly
Trinidad Republic Day
Sri Lanka's new leader
Ghost Sharks
Cricketing news
The widening conflict in the Middle East
The US Presidential election
Our debates covered the motions:
(i) 'This House would have a car free day?'
(ii) 'Should politicians be allowed to receive donations?' - following the headlines in the last week surrounding Great Britain's PM Sir Keir Starmer and members of his cabinet
(iii) 'Should people work from home?' - on the back of Government and Amazon business announcements (to the contrary of each other)
Voting supported a car free day by 60/40, but with lots of caveats on not walking when it is too hot and on providing better public transport for the island, particularly for older people.
The group supported political donations, but felt that more should be given to charity and that donations should focus on political campaigning, rather than clothing, holidays and wider accommodation. It was, nevertheless, noted that politicians should be allowed gifts and presents - and should be allowed to live as regular/normal a life as possible.
On working from home - the group felt this should be a decision for the worker - with many in favour of flexible hours. Some in the group argued that such a decision should be decided by the Government.
A great session - well done all!
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