Children debate in home of local democracy
Children from schools across the Borough were welcomed into the home of local democracy in Telford and Wrekin to take part in primary school debates.
Telford & Wrekin Council hosted the final day of school debates in the Council Chamber at Southwater One last Friday.
The debates are organised by the team at St George’s Primary School with children invited to take part from local schools including Wrockwardine Wood Junior, St Matthew’s, Wrekin View, Woodlands, Lantern and Donnington Junior, HLC, Thomas Telford, Redhill and Old Park.
Several debates had already taken place during the week at St George’s and Hadley Learning Community, but on the final day, children were invited to hold their debates in the Council Chamber and sit in the seats of local decision-makers.
The children demonstrated the ability to listen to each other as they debated whether schools should do more to protect the planet, should animal testing be banned and should everyone be vegetarian.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:
“This is the second time we’ve hosted a primary school debates day in the chamber, and it was fantastic to see the children fully embrace the experience while treating one another with respect and consideration.
“The event gave pupils the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills, practise expressing their views with confidence, and learn how to challenge different opinions in a respectful and constructive way.
“By taking part, the children were also able to complete one of the 10 by 10 activities, with debating being one of the experiences young people are encouraged to try before the age of ten as part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s 10 by 10 programme.”
Saly Sixsmith, headteacher at St George’s Primary School, said:
“St George’s love organising the debates which allow children from across Telford and Wrekin to work together. We have been so overwhelmed by the confidence and positive attitudes displayed by all who have taken part. We have had some great titles this year too which have been very thought-provoking and not at all clear cut when we have moved to the voting part of the debates. Well done, everyone.”
Explore all ten activities and how to get involved with 10 by 10 at www.10by10.telford.gov.uk