DEBATE LEAGUE

Debate League, supported by Baillie Gifford, trains passionate and experienced university students to run debating clubs in under-resourced schools, offering offer pupils the benefits and skills that debating provides, and improving their opportunities in life.

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Debating is now widely recognised as an invaluable catalyst for the growth of key skills and attributes among pupils of all abilities. For many children within these schools, Debate League provides their first and only opportunity to find their own authentic voice in a supportive academic context. We provide a nurturing environment that effectively incubates the confidence and presentation skills of these children, skills which are now overwhelmingly recognised as the key contributors to their possible future success.

 

The 14-week programme culminates in a competition where pupils join other Debate League schools to put into practice their new knowledge and skills. As well as teaching debating, the student mentors also offer, according to a participating teacher, a different kind of experience for the kids here and give them an idea of what university could be like and that debating is for people from all walks of life.

 

We target schools and pupils in areas of high deprivation, who would not otherwise have access to this activity, and provide a fun and supportive learning environment. The transferable long-term skills that pupils gain have been proven to boost exam performance, day-to-day confidence and future employability.

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Debate League is generously supported by Baillie Gifford.

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