What is it?

A weekly online group for secondary aged young people.

Each week will focus on a different topical issue. We will explore some key vocabulary and concepts, investigate different points of view and interrogate the facts before holding a mini debate.  

When and where is it?

Thursdays 6.00-7.15pm (with a break half way) on Zoom.    

How will it help me? 

The debating group sessions will support you to :

• Practice articulating opinions appropriately in a safe and supportive environment. 
• Practice active listening and responding to others. 
• Expand horizons by building knowledge and understanding of a broard range of real life topical issues. 
• Broaden topical vocabulary.
• Practice using persuasive and discursive language.
• Grapple with moral quetions and dilemmas.
• Learn how to structure an argument and organise ideas to prepare for non-fiction writing.
• See things from others' points of view.
• Read, write, speak and listen with genuine purpose.
• Join a community of learning and contribute to the direction of the group.  

First session FREE! Then £15 per session including optional pre-session reading and follow-up writing tasks, all shared via Padlet along with weekly Powerpoint.

Small group of up to 6 participants per session. 

Contact me on blankcanvastutoring@yahoo.com or by phone on 07444266150 for a commitment-free chat about joining. 

What can I expect from the session? 

I can ring or Zoom chat with you to say hello before the session and answer any questions you have.

I will send out a link to my Padlet with a couple of articles about the week's topic for you to read if you want to before the session. 

The session will start with a quick question linked to the topic (eg cats or dogs, sweets or chocolate, shopping online or on the high street?) 

We will then gather some initial ideas using a Zoom whiteboard, chat box, or by talking and we will look at some key vocabulary.

We will discuss what facts or evidence there is about the topic without getting too in-depth. 

We will have a short break and then debate our topic using speech, a page on-screen or the chat box, whichever suits you best. We might all agree or we might disagree, the process is what matters! 

I will suggest some optional writing tasks (created by me but using my knowledge of GCSE and Functional Skills questions to write them).

After the session, you can send me anything you have written for me to look at and feedback on. You can also post your views on the Padlet for others in the group to see.