Debating at Gordon’s offers students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, independent research and teamwork. 

The ability to argue one’s point is an essential life skill.  The ability to resolutely argue one’s point against a meticulous and well-prepared defence is an indispensable skill if students are to achieve true greatness.  Debating at Gordon’s offers students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, independent research and teamwork.   As well as 'debating the Gordon’s way' in lessons, students at Gordon’s School have the opportunity to take part in Inter-House Debating competitions (Key Stage 3, 4, and 5); the 'Debating Matters' Competition; Rotary Youth Speaks Competition; Model United Nations and English Speaking Union.

Key skills

- PEE (point, evidence, explanation)

- Point of information 

- Facial expressions, gestures and eye contact 

- Not to concede with a question but disagree 

- Different roles in a group of speakers

If you  wish to become involved, please contact Miss R Blatch - rblatch@gordons.school who leads our Debating team.

Events/Competitions

Inter-House Sixth Form debating competition - Final, Gordon's School

Rotary Youth Speaks Competition, Woking

 Inter-House Debating Final KS4

Debating Matters regional competition, Mid-Kent College, Gillingham Campus

Regional Finals Rotary Youth Speaks Competition

National Final, Rotary Annual Showcase, Nottingham

English-Speaking Union Schools Mace Competition 

Recent Successes

Arete Inter-School debating competition – Winners, Gordon’s School

Oxford Schools debating competition- Entered and attended the regional round for the first time

ESU MACE  - Entered and attended the regional round at Wellington for the first time.