Regional Debating Heats
The London heats at Alleyn’s School are part of a major national debating competition for Year 9s.
Up for Debate is a major new oracy programme for state schools in England, by the PiXL Edge and the Noisy Classroom. It brings together PiXL’s years of experience in helping pupils succeed, together with top quality resources developed by world-class debate educators. The programme includes a richly-resourced Scheme of Work for KS3, ideas for oracy across the curriculum and for co-curricular debate.
Winners from each heat take part in the final held at Harrow School in the Summer term.
Background
The founder of The Noisy Classroom and Alleyn's alumni approched Alleyn's School in 2015. She requested to host the regional debates for their first national debating programme with PiXL Edge. The event in 2016 was extremely successful and Alleyn's was subsequently contacted by the organisers at PiXL Edge requesting that the event take place again at the School in 2017.
Resources
The facilities required by PiXL for the event were the MCT at Alleyn’s a 350 seater theatre, the adjacent atrium, 20 classrooms and the dining hall. The facilities were provided at a community rate and included a duty manager and technical support for the duration of the day.
An Alleyn’s event coordinator was available throughout the hire from the booking request and during the months preceding the hire. A thorough site visit was conducted with the PiXL organisers to ensure that all neccessary requests and requirements were set up in advance of the special event.
Impact
The London heats were attended by 25 Schools and approximately 250 pupils in total.
Pupils debated their subjects amongst their peers within a professional theatre in front of a panel of judges. The facilities at Alleyn’s were perfect for the large event which enabled numerous Schools to be able to take part. This resulted in each School being able to take part in numerous debates throughout the day. The winners of the London heats were invited to take part in a prestigious finals day held at Harrow School. The pupils left happy and excited about the day and had gained confidence and learned valuable skills in speaking and listening.
Pupil Involvement
Schools involved at the Alleyn's London heats;
The Beacon School
The Beconsfield School
Bishosphalt School
Carshalton High School for Girls
Chingford Foundation School
Clapton Girls’ Academy
The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School
Freman College
Glenthorne High School
Harrow Way Community School
Horndean Technology College
King Edward VI CEVC School
Oasis Academy Enfield
The Ockendon Academy
Redden Court School
Roding Valley High School
Ruislip High School
Slough and Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College
St George’s CofE School, Gravesend
St Crispin’s School
St Mark’s Catholic School
St Simon Stock Catholic School
St Ursula’s Convent School
Swakeleys School for Girls
The Thomas Aveling School