National Justice Museum Education delivers educational programmes at a variety of courtrooms across Manchester and the North West including the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Manchester Metropolitan University
Debating
Debating
What is it?
The practice of debating is one mainly associated with politics, but can apply to almost any scenario in which there are opposing points of view on a subject. Debating is the term that covers how arguments are laid out and presented for the consideration of the group.
What does it involve?
Debating generally involves discussing something in a reasonably polite manner. There are many varying exact styles, but the main basis lies in being able to construct an argument and debate it rationally from any viewpoint, not just the one which you personally agree with; debating also usually involves people taking it in turns to speak (sometimes with a time limit) before handing the floor over to the opposing party.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Learning debating skills can give students a huge boost in confidence, and can help them communicate more effectively in both verbal and written forms. It can also benefit students by making them see both sides of an argument fairly, helping them make accurate judgments and talking about disputes rather than resorting to other means of settling the disagreement!
What equipment do we need?
Debating shouldn't require any equipment to be provided for it as it's mainly verbal!
Who is it suitable for?
Debating is going to be the most suitable for older student groups, and more specifically those interested in learning about political techniques. However, the many benefits of the activity make it worth considering introducing in a more diluted manner to younger students - it can help in many more ways than educating one in the ways of politics.
Costs?
The costs in this situation will depend entirely on what you are doing! Debating clubs are often free or very cheap to join, but visiting a court and gaining experience from professionals there will most likely have higher expenses!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger children are unlikely to have much interest in this activity in it's most intense form, but they could benefit from some lessons in how to be fair and communicate in a calm and even manner - if you feel as if it could be of use in your student group, contact an established debating society for advice.
How do we include?
Hearing/speaking disabilities may be hard to cater for in debating as it's a mostly verbal activity, but there are clubs and societies that have translators and assistance for those who want to join in - make sure to research whats available if you have someone with a disability who wishes to try their hand at debating!
Doing it abroad?
The act of debate is one found all over the world, with all countries having their own different styles of politics and therefore manners of debating. Learning about debating abroad will be fascinating for those who are interested, but this may only be a select few students - bear in mind the needs of your entire group!
Main website:
Visit individual websites for specific activity information.
Venues with this Activity
The only museum of its kind in Europe
Based at Nottingham's old county gaol, the Museum explores the fascinating history of crime and justice through time.
Education
This unique museum houses three courtrooms, a prison and police station plus a collection of over 40,000 legal, police and prison-related historical objects and artefacts, including the HM Prison Service collection.
Watch justice as it happens at the Royal Courts of Justice, commonly called the Law Courts.
The Supreme Court, as well as being the final court of appeal, plays an important role in the development of United Kingdom law.
As an appeal court, The Supreme Court cannot consider a case unless a relevant order has been made in a lower court.
The Supreme Court:
Connecting schools and young people to Parliament
Whether it be to understand the process of law making, how a general election works, what your MP does, or simply to visit the historic and beautiful Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin-designed Palace of Westminster, the Education team have a vast array of opportunities and resources to offer you.
Visit Parliament
The Museum was founded in 1981. Funded by Greater Manchester Police, it not only collects and preserves archive material and objects relating to the history of policing in the Greater Manchester area, but acts as an important resource for community engagement, where visitors can talk to staff and volunteers about policing.
Education
NCCL delivers educational programmes at the Civil Justice Centre and Crown Court in Manchester and at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.
The Pierhead is a unique visitor, events and conference venue for the people of Wales at the Welsh Assembly; a space to express opinions and give voice to issues that matter to you as individuals, communities or organisations.
Y Senedd
The Welsh Government is the devolved Government for Wales. It takes on many of the functions of the UK Parliament.
We are working to help improve the lives of people in Wales and make our nation a better place in which to live and work.
Pre-booked guided tours are available, free of charge, at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay (seven days a week)
The Oldest Parliament in the World
The High Court of Tynwald is the parliament of the Isle of Man. Tynwald is of Norse origin and over 1,000 years old, and is thus the oldest parliament in the world with an unbroken existence.
Known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, is one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court.
Come and find out about the Scottish Parliament. We've got games, stuff to help you with coursework, posters for the walls of classrooms and lots more!
Our education programmes are run for schools, colleges and other educational groups who are interested in finding out more about the work of Parliament.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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