Figure 1.-- Debating is a strong tradition at British schools, especially private schools. Many prep schools strongly encourage debate. This varies from school to school, but many schools consider it an important activity. It is normally not an extra-curricular activity, but rather part of the academic program. |
Debating is a strong tradition at British schools, especially private schools. Many prep schools strongly encourage debate. This varies from school to school, but many schools consider it an important activity. It is normally not an extra-curricular activity, but rather part of the academic program. Here the traditions of the senior schools where the children will be attended is an important influence. Debates is often an important activity at many public schools. It alsd provides opprtunities in public speaking and logic as well as utilizing information addressed in history and other classes. Some schhols promote debates as part of class units, other as an extra-curicular activity. Many schools especially promote debate programs in the winter months when outside activities are often limited. The children debate a variety of political and social issues as well as a variety of schhol issues such as compulsory games, abolishing games and whether girls should have been let in the school. Such issues often precuipitate animated discussions among the boys and girls. Sometimes the staff also participate to enliven the debate or provide ballance.
