Debating Society & Academic Discussion Group
These groups act as cross-College forums for students to discuss a wide range of contemporary academic, political, social, ethical and moral issues.
Founded in 2004, the Debating Society has become extremely popular, with up to 260 students coming together to air and argue their views in what is often a hotly contested debate. This takes the form of a Question Time type panel of speakers delivering speeches to put their case to a lively, questioning audience.
Previous debates have included: Should Britain have a Monarchy?; Abortion; The Death Penalty; The Iraq War; British Membership of the European Union; Same Sex Adoption - to name only a few.
The Debating Society also runs a programme of external speakers. After their presentations, the speakers take questions from the student audience. Past guests have included political candidates, speakers from charities and environmentalists.
The Academic Discussion Group was founded in 2006 and proved to be an instant success. Students undertake individual research into areas that they wish to study at university, and present a formal 10-15 minute academic paper on their research to a small group. The Group then participates in an active discussion on the paper’s findings. This allows students to engage in in-depth academic discourse in a supportive and friendly environment.
Previous topics offered included, The Role of Feminism; Diseases of Bones; Cancer-Curing Pharmaceuticals and Multi-National Corporations - again to name but a few.
The Discussion Group also forms an integral part of the Oxbridge Entry and Extension Programme.
Both groups have notable personal and career development benefits for students. Participation develops your confidence, public speaking ability, analytical thinking and knowledge of current affairs. It is particuarly advantageous if you intend to progress to higher education (particularly to those universities with competitive entry requirements), and if you wish to follow careers in: the armed forces; journalism; law; management; the media; medicine and teaching.