St Mary's Calne
Debating Review 1
On Friday 14th October, we were given a chance to spend a day with the English Speaking Union. It was an interesting and informative day where we learnt many new techniques on how to debate more effectively.
After break, we played some debating games to help boost our debating confidence before getting into some smaller group debates. Some of the most popular debating points were 'all girls schools should only have female teachers' and 'Euthanasia should be legal in England'. Opinions on both topics were very diverse, but due to the techniques we had learnt, we were able to discuss them in a more structured manner, enabling both sides to express their opinions. There were so many varied topics to discuss that really broadened our knowledge.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience and the skills we were able to learn will benefit us all going forward in life.
Coco B
Debating Review 2
During Donaldson’s Week, we had a fascinating experience of debating and getting to express ourselves through the format of PEEL while forming our own speeches and arguments.
To begin with, we learnt the basic features and characteristics of debating. We then enjoyed an activity where we looked at a motion through the perspectives of different stakeholders involved. We split into seven groups and argued for or against the motion. Each group presented at least three different arguments supported by minor reasons and examples. We had a lot of fun; it is an entirely new way to look at the things happening around us through different people’s eyes.
Next, we practised making rebuttals by separating into two lines. Every time the person before us makes a point we have to begin by saying, 'I couldn’t disagree more, because…' After that, we shared our own ideas by starting with, 'If I could rule the world, I would, because…' It was very interesting listening to everybody’s ideas for changing the world, it also made us learn to react faster and practise our listening skills.
We were also able to express our own opinions on topics such as plastic surgery and pageants. A lot of our views varied, but we had the chance to listen and learn why others think differently and speak for what we believed.
Last, but not least, we started a grand debate following the Oxford-style debate, where there were four speakers on both the government and the opposition. Each one of them had a job, ie setting the framework, rebutting, summarising, and comparing arguments. The experience of preparation, listening, and be involved in some of the speeches, was phenomenal.
Coco F