Top Three Insights from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School's Big Debate Club
Intro to the School
Back in May, Becky and Vivian had the pleasure of visiting Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School in York to witness the inspiring implementation of Big Debate Club. Led by Luke Hale, the school’s Deputy Head and a passionate teacher committed to student voice, the school has embraced Big Debate Club as a powerful tool for fostering discussion and enhancing pupil engagement.
The visit showcased how students at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School are actively shaping their school environment through meaningful debate and collaborative decision-making.
How They Use The Big Debate Club
During their visit, Becky and Vivian had the opportunity to observe a vibrant Year 4 class engaging in a structured debate session. Led by two student council members, the debate was lively and inclusive. Students used a fun method of tossing a stuffed toy to select speakers, encouraging participation from all sides. This interactive approach not only facilitated critical thinking but also promoted respectful dialogue among peers.
A debate from Big Debate Club
Additionally, Becky and Vivian conducted the first Big Debate Club session with a Year 5 class, which was met with enthusiasm. The students' eagerness to participate highlighted the potential impact of Big Debate Club in non-participating schools.From having a heated debate to whether Cats or Dogs made better pets to forming stronger and more convincing points - the students listened, practiced and excelled in their argument making!
Luke happily shared his journey of successfully implementing Big Debate Club across Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School.
TIp #1: Gradual Expansion for Inclusive Engagement
Start with a small group or class to model Big Debate Club effectively. Luke initiated Big Debate Club in his own class and gradually expanded it across Year 3 then to Year 6. This approach allows students to familiarise themselves with the process, and builds momentum for wider participation, ensuring all students can contribute meaningfully and be taught by/learn from each other.
TIp #2: Integrate into School Timetable for Consistency
Incorporate Big Debate Club sessions into the school timetable to establish a routine and ensure widespread participation. At Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School, Big Debate Club sessions are scheduled regularly, allowing students and teachers to anticipate and prepare for engaging discussions. This consistency reinforces the importance of student voice and fosters a culture of democratic participation.
TIp #3: Empower Student Leaders for Long-Term Impact
Assign roles such as debate leaders and representatives to students, empowering them to take ownership of Big Debate Club sessions. This hands-on experience not only develops leadership skills but also encourages students to actively shape school policies and initiatives. By involving students in decision-making processes, schools can cultivate a sense of responsibility and ownership among their student body.
Observations and Reflections
Becky and Vivian’s visit to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School was a testament to the transformative power of Big Debate Club in schools. It was inspiring to see how structured debate sessions can empower students, build community, and enhance educational outcomes.
A big thank you to Luke and everyone at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School for their warm welcome and their dedication to empowering pupil voice. Their commitment is truly inspiring and sets a wonderful example for other schools.
Here's to more schools embracing the Big Debate Club’s initiatives, creating a brighter and more inclusive journey for all students!
Start your Smart School Councils journey today 🚀
Join 500+ schools using our pupil voice programme. Make it fun & easy to build everyone's debate, oracy & leadership skills with 2,000+ pre-loaded topics 🚀