The 2022 Great Debate final was held on 26 March at the Vicars' Hall, Windsor Castle. The question for young people to address was:  “The 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II has seen global and widespread changes including in: societal infrastructure, industry, rural life, the environment and ideas. Which changes of the...

After a year away due to Covid the Great Debate was back this year. And crikey was it back with force! All those young people who have had their movements and interactions restricted over the last couple of years have evidently been at home honing their speaking and analytical skills,...

2022 is Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee. As the Queen is a patron of the Historical Association we will be doing a number of things to mark this historical event – including using her lengthy reign as inspiration to examine some of the ways the world has changed in that time.   Therefore,...

What is the Great Debate? The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have five minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question.  2022 is Queen Elizabeth II platinum jubilee. As the Queen is our patron we have chosen to use her lengthy reign as inspiration to examine...

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Great Debate and the logistics of the heats. If you need more information, you can get in touch with us directly at greatdebate@history.org.uk. How does the debate work? Each student will have five minutes to deliver their argument in response to the...

Via the links and attachments below you can find a selection of resources and guidance on public speaking, both for teachers looking to get their students into debating and for contestants themselves looking for tips.  Sponsored by