Student Debate Days launch 2023/24 programme
The Debate Day programme is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills. This will be of particular interest for those studying law, politics, history, or citizenship.
The Debate Day programme offers 10 schools the chance to debate a legal topic at the Supreme Court. Successful applicants spend a day at the UKSC, have a tour of the building and are then split into their three teams (For, Against and Judges). Groups are coached by professional lawyers, in preparation for a debate that will take place in one of the courtrooms.
A debate pack will be sent in advance, so students will have prepared their key submissions before the debate. The subject of the debate will be associated with a previous UKSC case, for example:
"Do stop and search powers strike a fair balance between the rights of the individual and the interests of society?"
OR
There is also the option for a virtual session whereby students will instead be coached and make their presentations by Microsoft Teams.
The programme is open to accredited teaching institutions (schools or colleges) for Years 12 to 13 in England Wales, Years 12 to 14 in Northern Ireland and S5 and S6 students in Scotland.
Applications open on the 1st September 2023 at 12pm.
The deadline for this cycle is the 1st October 2023 at 12am.
For more information, please contact enquiries@supremecourt.uk or call 0207 960 1900/1500.
Application Forms
Debate Day Programme 2023-2024 Application Form
*Please email your completed application form to enquiries@supremecourt.uk by 1st October 2023 at 12am with the subject heading 'Debate Day Application 2023-24'*
[Please note that the Court cannot accept applications beyond this deadline]