Primary Secondary Sixth Form

Debating: A chance for your voice to be heard

08 Oct

Over the past two weeks Miss Wood and Miss Shaik have visited Eastbrook assemblies to promote Debate Mate, an after school club that has been running at Eastbrook for several years now. In their assemblies, they were able to clarify what Debating is, and also explain to students why it is important. As Miss Wood clarified, Debating is like arguing- but with rules!

Four Reasons Why Debating matters:

1. Learning to debate shows dedication. Attending a weekly after school club is no mean feat. Showing up and taking part in a club like Debate Mate, shows the people around you that you are willing to work hard, and that you are committed to developing a skill.

2. Debates are a part of our everyday lives. Whether it's a child debating with their parents about the value of pocket money, or a politician debating the cost of living crisis in the Houses of Parliament, debates happen everywhere and they act as an important way for human beings to solve issues in the world.

3. Debating builds confidence. At Debate Mate you will learn to write and structure and argument, which you will then deliver in front of a crowd of people. Speaking out in front of others is difficult, but essential. It is something you will need to be able to do at GCSE level for your English Language exam and also as an adult when you apply for jobs or meet new people.

4. It's fun! At Debate Mate, students will learn the rules of debating by playing games with their peers. They will also have a chance to take part in both local and national competitions against other London schools. It's a chance to meet new friends, a discuss important issues with them.

Debate Mate club will launch on 12th November and will run every Wednesday thereafter, between 3.15pm – 4.15pm. If you are interested in joining the club please collect a sign up letter from either Miss Wood (in classroom E.G.6) or Miss Shaik (in classroom B.G.6). Anyone who returns a sign up letter can join the club and have a chance for their voice to be heard. We look forward to seeing you there.