The Socratic Club - 23rd February 2025

This was an impressive set of Socratic Junior and Senior club sessions, and a number of our discussions linked to the forthcoming anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and the 1945 battle of Iwo Jima.

We began with a focus on the key skill of active listening and how to use the points made by opponents and colleagues alike in a formal debate. 

Our newsround took in: 

Trump's tariffs

A new Greek President 

Events in Ukraine and Sudan

Pope Francis

Hostages/ceasefire in the Middle East

German elections  

Sporting news from around the world, including the Six Nations

Warm-up questions included highlights from half term and whether we should have role models?

Our debates discussed the motions/topics:

• Should there be limits to Freedom of Speech?

• This House would increase connections between St Pancras and European cities for train travel 

• Should coding be a required subject in school?

• This House believes that pets are useful and helpful

• Should Ukraine join NATO?

• Should Ukraine join the EU?

• Should there be a peace deal with the War in Ukraine?

• Is it ok to uncover/research tombs (with the recent royal tomb discovery in Egypt)?

Each sessions saw tremendous contributions from across the house - whether proposition and opposition. It was wonderful to hear the thoughtful approach given to each topic, not least the challenge of the conflict in Europe. Well done all!