Bolton University Collegiate School pupils stage a debate

Pupils at Bolton UCS - University Collegiate School - took part in a debate in the council chamber

Four teams  made up of Year 10 pupils, argued for and against two questions: the legalisation of euthanasia, and of the death penalty. 

The public gallery  voted for the team they thought put forward the most persuasive argument, as did the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub. 

Pupil Hollie Lloyd was on the team which argued for the legalisation of euthanasia.

She said: "I was a little bit hesitant, I'm not really a public speaker. I originally applied for a gallery role, but my English teacher said she thought I could be a good person to be on the debate team. 

"We had to plan everything, write speeches, research and get it all ready. It has improved my power to speak in front of people. 

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"It has made me more confident."

The debate in the council chambers (Image: Newsquest)

Assistant principal, Jim Dickson, said: "What a fantastic event for them. In schools across the country, pupils will do speaking and listening assessments in classrooms and drama studios. 

"But to come here and debate, with the mayor sat with them, sat where the powers that be normally debate things, it is real life experience for them. 

"Part of English assessments is speaking and listening, and to put in into context, to come here and make it so real and so purposeful is a real treat for our students." 

Employer engagement lead at the school, Zohra Zaheer, said: "Through this they have been able to make PowerPoints, letter writing, and develop so many other skills within the English curriculum. 

"Application writing, CV writing, it has been a huge employability exercise."