History students’ success in the Historical Association’s Great Debate 2020
A Level History students Maddy and Lacey recently participated in The Historical Association's Great Debate 2020 - a national public-speaking competition for sixth-form students – competing alongside Truro and Penwith College students this week, with Maddy and Lacey getting first place and runner up.
The competition is being held in partnership with the UK Parliament's Vote 100 project and the Grand Final will take place on the 28th March 2020 at Windsor Castle in partnership with BBC World Histories Magazine, which Maddy will therefore be attending.
The students had to present a five minute speech answering this year's question: ‘Should we judge historical figures by the morals of today?'
History Lecturer Louise Doney said: "I was extremely proud of all the students involved. They had researched the debate thoroughly, presented their views professionally and were rewarded for their hard work. They each had different viewpoints on the focus of the debate and the judges remarked on the presentation skills and the students ability to refer to a number of key historical figures and events in relation to the debate.”
The judges said: "The students put forward great arguments and did it in a really effective way and engaged with the audience. I know the students will have got much from the experience and hopefully will continue with public speaking in the future now that this has boosted their confidence.”