Girls debate today’s hottest topics

January 19, 2016

Debating ClubToday I observed the debating club. The debaters are split in to two groups. This week they are debating whether people should wear helmets or not when riding bicycles.

They log onto their  laptops to find out facts. “We look up facts and find three points that will help us win the debate!”  says Libby O’Sullivan (Year 5). Both sides are now ready to start. I wonder which side is going to win?

In the USA, about 300,000 people go to the emergency department each year because of  bicycle injuries. At least 10,000 children spend a few days in hospital because of bicycle injures  caused by not wearing a helmet. The opposing team claim helmets are too uncomfortable to wear and children untighten them anyhow.

The debate continues next week, but having heard some of the startling facts, I have learnt how important it is to wear helmets and to be safe on the roads. The aim of the club is to help girls achieve a goal, getting better at speaking in front of an audience, and  speaking loudly and clearly. There are currently 12 girls in the club.

By Ruth & Emily, Year 5