Through this academic year the school has been focussing on striving for Oracy – the ability for fluent, clear and articulate speech. The Year 9 students have started their exciting journey into debates and speaking using more formal English in their lessons. The English department is thrilled to see how engaged and enthusiastic the students are as they develop their debating skills.
We are currently focusing on teaching the students how to present ideas and thoughts effectively to a group, while ensuring they use formal English in their responses. Recently, Miss Tom's Year 9 students have been creating rules for their debates, which will help guide them in structuring their arguments clearly and respectfully. These rules will allow them to engage in discussions with confidence and maturity, promoting respectful and evidence-based conversations.
The students have also been learning how to present their ideas in a professional and formal manner. By using polite language and working in groups to share ideas they have been able to make sure their arguments are clear and well-supported. The focus has been on developing their communication skills for both academic and real-world scenarios.
The Year 9s are really embracing this new challenge, and we can’t wait to see how they apply these skills in their upcoming debates. Below are some photos of the students collaborating to create their debate rules and practising their formal responses – showing great teamwork and determination along the way!
