Background

Nestled in the heart of Guisborough, North Yorkshire, Greg visited Highcliffe Primary on March 2023 and met Gina Whitwell. This caring and vibrant school has embraced Smart School Councils and the Big Debate Club (BDC) with open arms. 

Led by Gina, a dedicated Year 3 teacher, the school has integrated Big Debate Club into their weekly routine, sparking lively discussions and fostering a culture of curiosity and debate.

How They Use It:

The Big Debate Club helps pupils to take part in a short, guided debate to build better speaking skills. The school’s Big Debate Club sessions occur weekly after lunch, led by enthusiastic Teaching Assistants (TAs) while teachers enjoy their PPA time. Gina's natural passion for debate and dialogue creates an engaging atmosphere where pupils explore complex topics like e-sports with ease. The entire session, filled with mini-debates, lasts about 45 minutes and encourages critical thinking from Year 3 to Year 5.

Useful Tips on How Gina Enhances their Big Debate Club Sessions

Tip # 1: Establish Consistent Timing and Structure

Make sure your Big Debate Club sessions happen regularly, ideally after lunch when everyone's feeling refreshed. You can aim for sessions ranging from five to 45 minutes, depending on the time you have available. It's super flexible to accommodate different schedules and keep discussions lively!

Tip # 2: Get Everyone Involved

Make your sessions interactive and engaging by adding fun elements throughout. Use breaks to spark mini-debates among students, giving everyone a chance to speak up and share their thoughts. This creates a lively and inclusive environment where everyone's voice matters.

Tip # 3: Provide Adequate Support for Teachers

Make sure your teachers leading Big Debate Club sessions feel confident and supported. Teachers don't have to prep anything for Big Debate Club sessions. Reassure them that they'll feel totally at ease and supported with the Big Debate Club video, which has everything they need. Providing prompts at each break can help guide discussions and create a positive learning atmosphere for everyone involved.

Observations and Reflections

Highcliffe Primary radiates positivity about the Big Debate Club’s impact, from empowering quieter students to facilitating engaging discussions on diverse topics. The school's dedication to fostering student voice and critical thinking exemplifies the transformative power of debates in the classroom.

Let's discover how students are voicing their opinions and shaping a brighter future together with the help of the Big Debate Club.

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