Class debate!

1a) establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect

2e) encourage pupils to take a responsible and conscientious attitude to their own work and study.

3c) demonstrate an understanding of and take responsibility for promoting high standards of literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English, whatever the teacher’s specialist subject

4b) promote a love of learning and children’s intellectual curiosity

7a) have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms, and take responsibility for promoting good and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around the school, in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy

On beginning a new topic of debates in English lessons, I decided upon carrying out a class debate.  This would entail the children receiving a letter from the Head Teacher and asking to debate whether we should keep our school uniform or get rid of it.

When we began the debate, the children all received a for or against stick – this allowed me to control the behaviour and for children not to shout out.  They were told to show either their for side or against side and I would choose children to stand up and give their opinion.  The children thoroughly enjoyed this lesson and they were all excited to see the outcomes to the debate.   Would we keep our uniform or get rid of it?