KS1 & KS2 English curriculum

This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge of debating introduced in the Year 4 unit 'Getting ready to debate'. Here, pupils review and develop their understanding of conventions around debating, including justifying, making points, giving proof, summarising, responding, judging and scoring a debate. Pupils also learn how best to prepare for a debate and how to write notes to support the delivery of a speech within a debate. This unit prepares pupils for further speaking, listening and oracy work in the Year 5 unit, 'Successful speeches'.

1. Justifying an opinion
2. Making points and explanations in a debate
3. Giving proof and summarising an argument
4. Learning the roles in a debate and making a rebuttal
5. Making and responding to points of information
6. Preparing for a debate
7. Writing notes to support delivering a speech in a debate
8. Judging and scoring a debate

• Persuasion is about using words and ideas to try to change someone's mind or behaviour.
• Facts and opinions can both be used in order to persuade others.
• An opinion is a view or belief that a person has.
• Facts are a statement of truth.
• When speaking in front of others, using a strong and clear voice is important.