Debating Historians develop curiosity and confidence skills

Parallel History Debaters – Year 9 and Year 12 take on conflict history debate subjects.

To develop historical and public speaking skills our Parallel Histories Debating club delivered two debates this term on the history of the Balfour Declaration and the foundations of the Palestine-Israel story. As Historians it is always key to understand the starting point of key events that are still current politically today – and our Year 9s and Year 12s participated in a UK wide debate series online over the last half term to explore these subjects. Our Year 12 debaters “cut their teeth” on a debate on the importance of Churchill earlier in the term; and both year groups tackled the Balfour Declaration with perception and sensitivity – allowing them to think critically, analyse and debate contested histories. Our pupils all got great feedback from the organisers for convincing arguments and effective presentations – great skills for their futures! We have further debates planned about US Civil rights for both teams and our new Year 10 group.

Mrs Higgins