Preparation to DEBATE about education system in the U.K.

What's the best type of school in England?

Preparation to DEBATE Class 1 - Upper Secondary school

Tasks

Introduction

Split into teams and choose one type of school to defend during the debate. You can use Picker Wheel (https://pickerwheel.com/) to assign the type of school.Each team must: Research information about their chosen type of school. Prepare arguments to support their choice. Anticipate counter-arguments from opposing teams.

School is an essential part of every student’s life. In England, there are different types of schools: co-educational schools, single-sex schools, boarding schools, private schools, and state schools. Your task will be to explore these options and decide which is the best, using English sources to prepare for a debate..

Process

Summarise

Research

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Prepare

Debate

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+ webquest

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Conclusions

Evaluation Criteria

This activity will help you improve your English skills while learning more about different types of schools in England. By working in teams, you’ll practise speaking, listening, and organising your ideas clearly. The debate is your chance to express your opinions and show what you’ve learned in a fun and interactive way. Remember, it’s not just about winning – it’s about sharing ideas and growing as a team. Good luck, and enjoy the debate! 🎉

Ability to use specific vocabulary (e.g. "tuition fees," "curriculum," "boarding facilities").

Respect for debate rules (taking turns, polite interaction).

Clarity of arguments.

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Responses to questions

Pronunciation

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Bonus tips

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Meet the Team

Full Name

Full Name

Profession

Profession

Full Name

Full Name

Profession

Profession

Full Name

Full Name

Profession

Profession

Write a greattitle here

Interactivity and animation can be your best allies when creating tables, infographics, or graphics that help provide context to the information and simplify the data for translation to your audience. We are visual beings and find it easier to 'read' images than to read written text.

'Your content is liked, but it engages much more ifit's interactive'

Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes to us through sight and, moreover, we retain 42% more information when the content moves.

Webquest

Visit the following websites to gather information. Take notes on the main features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of school. Co-Educational Schools: https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/school-life Single-Sex Schools: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zh4nscw Boarding Schools https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/advice/choosing-a-boarding-school Private School shttps://www.isc.co.uk/ (Independent Schools Council) State Schools https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school

Summarise your ideas

Compare your notes and create a list of the 3 main advantages of your school type. Write a brief introduction (3-4 sentences) to present your type of school.

Prepare the Debate

Create a short presentation with your arguments.Assign roles within your team: one person to introduce the school, one to answer questions, and one to prepare counter-arguments.

Debate

Each team will have 5 minutes to present their school and 3 minutes to answer questions from opponents.

Clarity of Ideas (20%)

What is expected

Speak clearly and use simple sentences to explain your ideas. Stay on topic and focus on the main points about your type of school. Avoid using overly complex words or sentences.

Example phrases:"Our school is the best because…" "One big advantage of this school is…" "This is important because…"

Vocabulary use (20%)

What is expected

Use specific words about schools and education. Show you understand terms like boarding school, tuition fees, co-educational, teachers, and students. You don’t need to use difficult words, but make sure the words you choose are correct.

Example phrases:"In a state school, students don’t pay fees." "In a private school, the parents pay for their children’s education."

Team organisation (20%)

What is expected

Share the roles equally in your group (one introduces, one gives examples, one answers questions). Take turns speaking without interrupting each other. Help each other if someone forgets something or feels nervous.

Example phrases to help teammates:"What do you think?" "I agree with you because…" "Can you explain this point again?"

Responses to questions (20%)

What is expected

Answer questions from the other teams as best as you can. If you don’t know the answer, try to explain your ideas clearly or say: "I’m not sure, but I think…" or "That’s a good question!" Listen carefully to questions so you can give a relevant response.

Example phrases for answering questions:"Yes, but in our school…" "I think that is not true because…" "In our opinion, this school is better because…"

Pronunciation (20%)

What is expected

Speak slowly and clearly so others can understand you. It’s okay to pause or make small mistakes, but try to keep talking. Use simple connectors like and, but, because, also.

Example phrases for connecting ideas:"This school is good because…" "Also, it helps students…" "But one problem is…"

Bonus Tips for Success

Be confident and smile! 😊 If you forget a word, explain it another way (e.g., "It is the place where students live" instead of "boarding school"). Support your teammates by encouraging them.