Debating at Gordon’s offers pupils the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, independent research and teamwork. 

As well as “debating the Gordon’s way” in lessons, pupils at Gordon’s School have the opportunity to take part in Inter-House Debating competitions (Key Stage 3, 4, and 5), the “Debating Matters” Competition, Rotary Youth Speaks Competition and Model United Nations.

The ability to argue one’s point is an essential life skill.  The ability to resolutely argue one’s point against a meticulous and well-prepared defence is an indispensable skill if students are to achieve true greatness.  Debating at Gordon’s offers students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, independent research and teamwork.   As well as “debating the Gordon’s way” in lessons, students at Gordon’s School have the opportunity to take part in Inter-House Debating competitions (Key Stage 3, 4, and 5), the “Debating Matters” Competition, Rotary Youth Speaks Competition and English Speaking Union.

Key skills

- PEE (point, evidence, explanation)

- Point of information 

- Facial expressions, gestures and eye contact 

- Not to concede with a question but disagree 

- Different roles in a group of speakers

 

If you  wish to become involved, please contact Mrs Danielle Heathcote - dheathcote@gordons.school who leads our Debating team.

Events/Competitions

15th November 2018 - Inter-House Sixth Form debating competition - Final, Gordon's School

28th November 2018 - Rotary Youth Speaks Competition, Woking

29th November 2018 - Inter-House Debating Final KS4

Wednesday 13th February 2019 - Debating Matters regional competition, Mid-Kent College, Gillingham Campus

February/March 2019 Regional Finals Rotary Youth Speaks Competition

Saturday 11th May 2019 - National Final, Rotary Annual Showcase, Nottingham

English-speaking Union Schools Mace Competition (date TBC)

Recent Successes

Arete Inter-School debating competition – Winners, Gordon’s School

Oxford Schools debating competition- Entered and attended the regional round for the first time

ESU MACE  - Entered and attended the regional round at Wellington for the first time.