Why it was needed

The vast majority of state schools, notably those in London, do not have debating societies or teach public speaking skills, which can be an important tool for later life. Debating competitions remain a largely private school and male arena. This is unfair and does not reflect the ability and potential of state school students both in London and the rest of the UK.

What's being done

Students who are members of the UCL debating society offer their skills to schools. This year has seen us go out to several London schools and organisations and work with students, teaching basic debating and encouraging students to think outside of the box. This summer saw seven schools and their gifted and talented students each coming into the university for a day to enjoy our Debating Workshop programme, including public speaking games, a professional debate and the chance for all students to take part in their own debate and receive top feedback. Students were also taken on a tour of the university to see what student life can be like and joined university students for lunch to get the 'inside story' on what university is really about.

How it started

We had always done a small amount of work with schools on the side but this year, with the chance for proper funding from Junction 49 and for assistance from UCL's truly excellent Volunteering Society, seemed the time to really branch out and organise a proper cohesive programme.

More

Following this year's success, we have now established a new committee position within the Debating Society for a Schools' Officer, to be in charge of continuing and expanding our programmes in the new academic year. Next year our target is to work with a school at least once a week during termtime, as well as expand our summer workshop series to include a competition for the schools who have taken part at the end.