Debate, Discuss, Decide!

This week’s Debating Club session began with a thoughtful circle discussion around the motion: “This House believes that schools should require every pupil to wear a poppy on 11 November.” Mrs Moore played the antagonist, pretending from next year there would be a sanction for anyone not displaying a poppy. The children considered the importance of shared remembrance alongside freedom of choice, listening carefully and responding respectfully to different viewpoints.

The children then moved into randomly selected pairs and chose another Remembrance-related motion to explore. Each pair was assigned either the proposition or opposition, requiring pupils to build a convincing case regardless of their opinion.

The standard of discussion was extremely impressive. Pupils used mature vocabulary, developed well-considered arguments and structured their ideas clearly, often responding directly to points made by the opposing side. It was also wonderful to see the growing confidence with which they spoke, demonstrating that thoughtful debate depends as much upon careful listening as it does upon persuasive speaking.