Coffee and registration

Welcome

From Redland Green School and explanation of the day from Helen Birtwistle, Debating Matters.

Plenary debate

Religion and Politics: is faith a force for change or conservatism?
Religion has historically been associated with conservatism. But with Islamic extremists, evangelical fundamentalists and Catholic militants has it taken on a more radical flavour? Or has secular society – with its liberal message of tolerance - now become the conservative mainstream? In France debate has been provoked by the secular state’s refusal to allow religious symbols in its schools, while the Pope has criticised the UK’s Equality legislation saying that its focus on tolerance is irreconcilable with many religious teachings. In a modern, secular age can and should religion have a place in politics?

Speakers:

Our speakers, all with contrary views, will deliver a short speech and then engage in discussion with one another and the chair. Then the debate goes out to the audience so that students and teachers can contribute points and questions to the speakers. This opening plenary will present students with an exciting and stimulating start to the day and demonstrate the importance of debate and open minded thinking.

Break

Seminars and student debates

The remainder of the day will involve seminar, workshop, and student debate slots. These sessions are designed to build students’ knowledge and understanding of the issues at stake for our chosen theme of ideologies and beliefs, and to open up and interrogate those debates at the forefront of contemporary discussion– from the wearing of burqas to the much discussed equality bill.

Students will be divided into four groups of around 20 students, with a mix of students from different schools in each group. During the third session – the student debate slot – students will participate in a debate of their own. Some will act as speakers and others as a probing and inquisitive audience. Three student speakers will be selected from each group to debate with three student speakers from another group. The remaining will put points and questions to the student speakers from the audience and provide feedback to their peers on their performances at the end of the debate.

Seminar

Scrutinising ideas and analysing the debate

During this seminar students will first be given the opportunity to discuss the issues and ideas arising from the preceding plenary debate. Students will then examine and discuss other ideas relating to the question of belief and politics in preparation for the following research and speech writing seminar.

Lunch

Workshop

Research and speech writing

During this seminar students will identify the key issues and principles at stake in the debate and divide into subgroups to research and develop arguments around these further. The subgroups will then exchange findings and then commence the writing of short speeches.

Break

Student Debates

“A secular society should not prevent people from acting on their religious beliefs”

Two simultaneous debates will take place allowing students maximum opportunity to experience and benefit from taking part in a debate.

Results and round up

Drinks reception

Welcome and film showing

Evening Question Time

‘Question Time’ style Global Uncertainties debate

In the style of the BBC’s Question Time programme, panellists will address a range of questions related to issues such as youth radicalisation, belief and politics, terrorism and civil liberties, surveillance and privacy, as well as broader issues relating to the state of politics in the UK. Students, teachers, parents and other members of the community will be encouraged to put questions to an illustrious panel.