UPDATE: 11th Nov 2011

We were delighted with the success of the autumn 2011 course, which was well attended, professionally delivered by our partners and from the feedback we have received widely enjoyed and appreciated by those participating. Thank you to all of you that took part. The next course is planned for the February half term, with details to be announced shortly. If you would like to receive information about forthcoming courses via email, please sign up to the mailing list using the form on the right.

Photos of the October Half Term course can be viewed and purchased here.

“In a perfect world, Red Bull would be sponsoring this globally. Debating, it would appear, gives your mind wings.” – Lewis Iwu, World Universities Debating Champion 2008, OUSU President 2008-9

Most of us have learned to write. Most of us have learned to read. But how many of us have learned to speak? Not to talk...but to speak? What’s the point of having strong opinions if you don’t know how to deliver them? Indeed, how can you know what your opinions are until you’ve tested them on those who disagree with you? 



Intelligence² have joined forces with the highly successful and innovative Debate Mate programme to create a two-day workshop that will give you the edge.

Have fun this half term, and learn to debate like a champion. It improves your exam results and helps you get into the best universities.

“I have an Oxford degree, an MBA and a PhD in business strategy but nothing prepared me for the world of work like debating at school.” – Mrs Moneypenny, Financial Times columnist

No previous experience is required, and all are welcome between the ages of 11 and 18. You’ll be taught by the brightest graduates who have competed and won at the highest level – they’ll give you the confidence to speak persuasively and defend your opinions. Even if you’ve never debated before, by the end of the two days you’ll have gone from novice to master.

For experienced debaters, the workshop will provide specialist coaching to take your debating to the next level, and prepare you for competition in the Oxford and Cambridge schools tournaments.

To see Debate Mate in action, visit their YouTube channel.

“If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use the pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time; a tremendous whack” – Winston Churchill

“Debate Mate is a wonderful organisation which inspires young people. The debating groups and training programmes are first class..." Sir Michael Wilshaw – Ofsted chief inspector

Details:

• Join us for a two-day course on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th October from 09.30 – 17.00
• Venue: Francis Holland School
• Tailored courses available for 11-18 year olds
• Courses are open to those with any level of debating experience
• Classes with a maximum 12 to 1 participant to tutor ratio

View Agenda (in new window) | Download the Agenda (PDF)

Partners:

Bright Young Things Tuition serves as a link between parents and graduates from top universities, providing bespoke tuition, school placement advice, UCAS help and mentoring. Most of its tutors are Oxford and Cambridge graduates and all are either training to be teachers, working as full time tutors or have a significant interest in the education sector.

For more information, visit www.brightyoungthingstuition.co.uk.


First Eleven Magazine: the magazine for parents of children in independent education from nursery school to university.

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• Develop communication and public speaking skills in a structured and competitive environment
• Develop your skills in analysis and critical thinking to improve your grades and get into good Universities
• Build confidence, work as part of a team and articulate your thoughts amongst your peers
• Transform attitudes and opinions by having your say
• Enhance your CV and add something different to your University Personal Statements
• Most importantly, it's fun!

Lewis Iwu
Lewis is a former World Debating Champion and was President of the Oxford University Student Union. He studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University.

Scott Ralston
Scott is the Director of Debate Coaching at the Oxford Union, and was a member of the Scotland Schools Debating Team, representing Scotland at the World Schools Debating Championship. Scott is currently studying law at Brasenose College, Oxford University.

Melanie Pope
Mel was a member of the England Schools Debating Team and was in the Grand Final of the World Schools Debating Championship. She is currently studying law at Pembroke College, Oxford University.

Debate Mate is the only organisation in the UK teaching regular debate programmes in schools across the country. They use top university undergraduate debaters to run their programmes. All mentors have had extensive experience teaching students the art of debate and public speaking. The majority of their work is done in inner-city schools across the UK, though they have a strong international presence in places such as Nepal, Israel/Palestine, the UAE and the USA. Since its inception in 2007, Debate Mate has trained in excess of 4,000 young people.

For more information about Debate Mate visit www.debatemate.com.