News Debating Workshop for Local State Secondary Schools 29.11.2019

On Friday, Godolphin and Latymer hosted a free debating workshop for students at local state schools, led by Julian Bell, Godolphin’s Head of Debating. Students in Years 7 and 8 from Avanti House, Orleans Park, Sacred Heart and Twyford Academy learnt how to structure arguments, listen and respond to different views, express themselves with clarity and confidence, and prepare convincing speeches.

Judith Parker, a teacher at Sacred Heart, said: ‘The warm, encouraging atmosphere allowed the students to apply the skills they learnt in a way that boosts their confidence rather than intimidating them. The time flies by as they are having so much fun!’ Smeet, a student at Avanti House, said ‘It was an amazing experience and really changed my perspective on debating.’

Julian Bell said ‘It was truly inspiring to see how much progress the students made over the day. I firmly believe that debating is for everyone, and I am proud that of the 24 schools taking part in the London Junior Debating League, the competition we run for Year 7 and 8 students, 50% are from the state sector.’

Julian Bell also runs debating competitions for Years 9-11, and Years 12-13. He can be contacted on jbell@godolphinandlatymer.com