Debate Mate is an educational programme aimed at developing communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills among students through structured debate training and competitions. This case study focuses on the experiences of Chris Spencer, a history teacher, and Miles, a Year 9 student, at Cardinal Heenan High School, highlighting the significant impact Debate Mate has had on students’ personal and academic growth.
Miles, a Year 9 student, has been participating in Debate Mate for two years. Throughout this period, he has experienced notable improvements in his debating skills, confidence, and overall academic performance. His most memorable moment was winning the Debate Mate Cup, a testament to the skills and teamwork he developed through the programme. Miles highlighted gaining the confidence to speak out loud as the most crucial skill. “Probably the confidence to speak out loud,” he said, reflecting on his journey from initial hesitation to becoming more comfortable and assertive in various settings. Over time, he has improved his ability to structure arguments effectively. Initially struggling with this aspect, he now finds it easier to organise his thoughts and focus on other elements of debating. “At the start, it was difficult to get the structure right, but now I can feel that my structure is strong, so I can focus on other aspects,” Miles explained. Direct feedback from mentor judges at competitions has been instrumental in Miles’ development. “The thing that stands out is actually getting feedback from the mentor judges at the competitions. You bring everything together at the competitions, so getting direct feedback from a judge is really helpful for us,” he noted.
Miles also remarked that Debate Mate has significantly boosted his public speaking abilities, extending beyond debating to other areas of life. “Talking up in class comes a lot more naturally to me now compared with my first couple of sessions,” he shared. This newfound confidence has made him more comfortable speaking in class, discussing politics, and interacting with adults. Participation in Debate Mate has enhanced his teamwork abilities, which he applies in other areas like football and school leadership. “Through football, I work as part of a team as well as taking on the role of head boy. I have to work with others when making decisions,” he stated. Additionally, Miles has taken on leadership roles, such as being appointed head boy for the upcoming year, showcasing the transferable skills he gained from Debate Mate. Furthermore, he frequently uses debating structures, such as PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link), in subjects like English and History. “In a lot of our lessons, we have to use the PEEL structure, which we obviously use during Debate Mate,” he said, underscoring the programme’s academic benefits.
Chris Spencer, a history teacher at Cardinal Heenan High School, has been involved with Debate Mate for two years. His experiences as both a participant and observer provide valuable insights into the programme’s impact on students. Chris learned about Debate Mate through his mentor during training and has since been a strong advocate. “My mentor when I was training was involved with it and got me along to one of the sessions, and ever since then I’ve been a massive fan of it,” he recalled. He introduced the programme to his current school, integrating it into the academic and extracurricular landscape. Chris’s favourite part is witnessing students’ growth, especially those who initially lacked confidence. “Seeing the path that they go on from the start is really my favourite part,” he noted, citing examples of students like Miles and others who have become more self-assured and capable through Debate Mate. The programme has facilitated student engagement in class debates, making lessons more interactive and dynamic.
Chris recounted a student with a tic who, despite initial doubts, managed to control it during debates, illustrating the confidence-building aspect of Debate Mate. “One of our students suffers from a tic, and when they get stressed, it seems to be more regular. They started coming to the club, and I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to cope at competitions, but it was amazing because as soon as he started speaking, he was able to completely control his tic,” Chris shared. Students like Joe have shown remarkable improvement in teamwork and leadership, helping peers and taking initiative during sessions. “Joe’s a very good one to focus on because, although he’s charismatic, he has become much better as a team player,” Chris said. Debate Mate students generally excel in history written exams due to their well-honed argument structuring skills. “The structure is so similar. It’s the reason why I encourage all trainee teachers or new teachers to come along to the club and witness the structure they’re being encouraged to use,” Chris explained. The programme’s emphasis on structure has made teaching these concepts easier and more effective.
Mentors serve as aspirational figures, providing insights into university life and careers. The interaction with mentors and professionals at competitions has broadened students’ horizons and motivated them to pursue higher education and professional goals. “When you have the same mentor every week, you get to know them and find out about what they’re doing at uni, and it helps to know what’s out there,” Miles said. Competitions offer networking opportunities with mentors and professionals, enriching students’ learning experiences and exposing them to diverse perspectives. “The networking helps as well at competitions, so not just with the mentors but also with working professionals,” Chris added.
Communication, critical thinking, and leadership are essential skills that are crucial in both academic and real-world settings. Effective communication enables individuals to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively, a vital skill in personal interactions and professional environments. Critical thinking involves analysing and evaluating information to make informed decisions, a skill that is indispensable in problem-solving and navigating complex situations. Leadership skills foster the ability to inspire and guide others, promoting teamwork and collaboration. These skills collectively empower students to succeed academically, excel in their careers, and contribute positively to society. Programmes like Debate Mate, which cultivate these competencies, play a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of making significant contributions in various fields.
In conclusion, Debate Mate has profoundly impacted the students of Cardinal Heenan High School. Through the experiences of Miles and Chris, it is evident that the programme fosters confidence, improves academic performance, and develops essential life skills. The mentorship and feedback from experienced debaters further enhance this growth, preparing students for future leadership roles and success in various fields.
