Debating Society proves hugely popular at Whitworth High

Some of the Year 11s students in Whitworth Community High School’s Debating Society with teacher Shazia Iqbal

Teenagers at Whitworth Community High School are getting their voice heard through the school’s Debating Society.

Every week the Year 10s and 11s meet to discuss a variety of topics, presenting arguments for and against a subject.

More than 30 students regularly attend the club because they enjoy the chance to air their views without prejudice and the skills acquired will help them when they have to attend interviews and in the workplace or further study.

RE Teacher Shazia Iqbal said: “We started this off with my Year 10 RE class when we were talking about ethics about seven months ago and they wanted to get their views across.

“We then had a debate – Year 11 versus Year 10 and then we started mixing it up and established the Debating Society.

“Topics go up in advance and some students then carry out research while others will just present their argument off the cuff. They are given 30 seconds each.”

Holly Simkins, 16, said: “It is a way of putting our lunchtime to good use.”
Joshua Brady, 16, believes the club works because it is a comfortable environment where the students feel confident to debate.

“People feel comfortable to speak their mind,” he said. “Our school is pretty respectful and the Debating Society is a good representation of that.”

“I am very argumentative and what is great about the club is it gives me the chance to air my opinion,” said Thomas Nelson, 16.