Ainslie School Debating Workshop

On February 18, Ainslie School became a hub of energy and critical thinking as nearly 100 students took part in a full-day debating workshop run by Consensus Education. The event, facilitated by four of our experienced Consensus tutors, was a dynamic blend of explicit learning, practical exercises, and engaging thinking and speaking games. Designed to introduce students to debating in a constructive and accessible way, the workshop emphasised fair and reasonable discussion of societal issues rather than rhetorical argument for its own sake.

In preparation for the workshop, our Executive Officer, Julian Davies, led a professional learning session for Ainslie staff, equipping them with skills and resources to integrate debating into the school’s ongoing learning program. The staff responded with enthusiasm, embracing the opportunity to enhance their students’ critical thinking and communication skills.

Throughout the day, students eagerly participated in structured activities, developing confidence in public speaking and learning to articulate their viewpoints with clarity and effect. Despite debating being entirely new to them, they engaged keenly, fostering an atmosphere of thoughtful discourse and curiosity.

The impact of the workshop was immediately evident. As the day concluded, the school was abuzz with excitement, a sentiment that was echoed in feedback from Ainslie School’s leadership. Shortly afterward, the Principal shared that she had received ‘incredibly positive’ feedback about the event. The Deputy Principal later affirmed that the workshop had significantly enriched student learning, and in a follow-up email, the Principal expressed deep appreciation, writing: 'I can’t thank you enough for bringing what you have to the staff and students of Ainslie School. The impact has been immense.'

Students presenting at the Ainslie School Workshop