Service Description

Phase 3: 1-to-6 course. Phase 3 content. The content is DIFFERENT from the debate course in summer holiday and October half term. Our debate courses are hugely popular amongst our younger students. The students learn how to discuss, argue and debate in the English language. The course focuses on such areas as what makes a good debater, being able to plan a good debate, being able to use formal language and connectives in a speech and being able to plan and write a speech and debate it with other students. The students will learn how to discuss a variety of relevant topics and ideas, focusing on school, home and current affairs. These are all topics that are taught in schools and are further studied in GCSE English Language. This course can be seen as preparing students for the persuasive, discursive and informative tasks a student will be asked to undertake then. Each session will introduce a key concept or debating skill. This material will be published in a Rise document to be circulated to the group in advance. Students will be asked to read this material before the lesson. Each session will begin with a brief exploration of this material (and a chance to answer questions) before we move into a debate, where the students will have the chance to apply the key concept or skill. In each lesson, a different member of the group will prepare an opening argument in response to the debating question. They will present this to the group. Other members of the group will be expected to prepare relevant questions and arguments to be raised in the debate. Lesson 1: Key concept: To know what makes a good debater. Debating question: Does money buy you happiness? Lesson 2: Key concept: To be able to plan a good debate. Debating question: PE, MUSIC, DRAMA AND ART SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM THE CURRICULUM. Lesson 3: Key concept: To be able to use formal language and connectives in a speech.​ Debating question: Children to be given various motions for each child. Lesson 4: Key concept: To be able to write a formal speech ready for a debate. Debating question: Should we wear masks after the pandemic? Lesson 5: Key concept: To be able to write, peer assess and rehearse a formal speech. Debating question: Children to choose their own motion.