The Great Debate 2011/12

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) in his later years. Photo by J. Cameron, 1869.

The Historical Association will be running a historical debating competition across schools in the UK and the Republic of Ireland this autumn/winter culminating in a grand final at Merton College, Oxford on 10th March 2012. Students from across these countries aged between 16 and 19 will be debating the question:

"Why does history matter to you?"

Each competitor will be given five minutes to present their case and then field questions from the judges.

If you would like to register your schools interest and receive updates please email simon.brown@history.org.uk

The winner and runner up of the competition will receive cash prizes and membership to the Historical Association and all finalists will receive prizes from our sponsors.

Heats:

Belfast Heat: 7.30pm 9th November - Drama Theatre, Sullivan Upper School

Birmingham Heat: 6pm 17th November -  King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

Bolton Heat: 7.30pm 28th November - Parish Hall, Silverwell Street

Canterbury Heat: 7pm 17th November - Kings School, St Augustine's, Lady Wooton Green

Chichester Heat: 6pm 23rd November - Friends Meeting House, Chichester

Derry Heat: 6pm 16th November - St Columb's College

Dublin Heat: 7.30 17th November - Catholic University School, Dublin

East of England/Norwich Heat: 5pm 17th November - University of East Anglia

Edinburgh Heat: 6.30pm 28th November - School Library, Old College, Stewart's Melville College

Leeds Heat:  5pm 15th November - Gateways School

Limerick Heat: 6pm 28th November - Villiers Secondary School

London Heat (1): 6pm 16th November - Westminster School

London Heat (2): 6pm 12th December - The Institute of Education

Manchester Heat: 4.30pm 17th November - Manchester Metropolitan University

Northampton Heat: 7pm 17th November - University of Northampton

North East Heat: 6pm 24th January 2012 - Durham High School for Girls

North Wales Heat: 6pm - 15th November - Library, Howell's School

Nuneaton Heat: 30th November - King Edward VI Sixth-Form College, Nuneaton

Reading Heat: 6pm 22nd November - Berkshire Record Office

Sheffield Heat: 5pm 3rd November - University of Sheffield

Shropshire Heat: Cancelled

South Wales Heat: 6pm 21st November - Cardiff High School

South West England Heat: 6pm 29th November - Queens College, Taunton

York Heat: 5.30pm 17th October - The Mount School

You can get an idea of how the competition works by looking at our podcasts from the 2010 heats and the final...

For some advice for students on public speaking click here...

Details of the rules and history of the competition are attached below.