These topics, chosen through the Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark ballot, included concerns about the safety of young people in our city, access to cultural activities, and opportunities for work and training.
The debate happened at Sheffield’s City Hall Council Chambers, where our students had the chance to speak in front of the Lord Mayor and city councillors, including our own Birley Councillor, Karen McGowan. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to see how decisions are made in Sheffield’s historic chambers, which have been around since 1896.
Our students gave arguments for and against the debate topics and voted for what they felt was the key issue facing them today. They were then given time to discuss possible action plans with councillors making their voices heard by the people who make decisions in our city.
We are incredibly proud of the exceptional students we have at Birley. They all found the day to be a great experience and a window into how democracy works at the local level.
John E, a Year 10 student, said, “The debate session I attended was absolutely fantastic. It was such a great opportunity for young people to express their opinions and develop critical thinking skills. I loved how the session encouraged students to research and present well-supported arguments. It really helps them build confidence and improve their public speaking abilities, which are valuable skills for school and beyond. Overall, the debate session was a fun and educational experience that I believe should be incorporated into school curriculums.”