In the Owls we hold regular debates on different topics to help build the children's communication skills and their ability to express their ideas effectively. In RE the question was - "Has the true meaning of Christmas been lost?" Mrs Allen selected a team to debate for each side, and they had to respond to the point made by the other side. We also voted at the end for which side of the debate won. 

A second debate, run in a similar way, helped us think about our History topic: "Which city state was more successful, Athens or Sparta?"

We held a debate on the motion “This house believes homework should be banned”.

We followed the structure and rules for a formal debate, including having a Speaker to oversee the debate (Jacob), hearing alternating Proposers and Opposers, and having Interveners standing up during anyone’s speech to intervene with their own questions about their points.

We all had to listen very carefully in order to speak and make informed and sensible arguments and to respond suitably to each other.

We then voted with our feet to show what side of the motion we agreed with – “aye” or “nay”.

 

Silent Debate!

We held a silent debate about these quotations, giving and sharing our thoughts and reflections in writing amongst other people’s.