Forfar Education, one of the UK’s top independent school groups, which owns and manages eight preparatory schools across the UK, has launched its very first inter-school debating event to prioritise the importance of ‘soft skills’ such as listening and retaining information.
The first competition was held at one of Forfar’s Southern schools, Park School, in Bournemouth. The day consisted of three separate debates between various couplings of Cameron Vale, Horris Hill, and Park School. The debates focused on two primary topics, ‘does homework promote learning?’ and ‘should single-use plastic be banned altogether?’
Research has found that soft skills are vital in a child’s development and post-school life, yet they don’t always get prioritised in the same way in which ‘hard skills’ do in schools. Soft skills include critical thinking, improved listening and increased self-confidence – all of which are fundamental to a child’s overall development and transition into adulthood.
The group-wide event is aimed at encouraging the pupils to speak with more confidence in discussions involving falsehoods or inaccuracies, while respecting the stance of others.
John Forsyth, Founder and CEO of Forfar Education, said: “Each Forfar school believes it is important we nurture the overall development of every child. We do focus on academic excellence but feel it is equally important we encourage our children to explore different avenues of their education, which is why we have given all children the opportunity to take part in the inaugural Forfar group debating competition.
“We are incredibly proud of how each child has risen to the challenge. This is the first time we have held interschool debates and we were so pleased to see such enthusiasm across the board. We believe it is important that each Forfar child is given the tools to expand their understanding and develop their confidence, encouraging freedom of speech and personal resilience.”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released research predicting the future of workplace culture, stating social and emotional skills (soft skills) such as empathy and respect for others, will be essential in the workplace as environments diversify.
One Park School year six pupil said: “I have really enjoyed taking part in the Forfar debating competition, it has been so interesting to hear everyone’s opinions and having the chance to discuss different topics. I feel like my confidence has grown throughout the competition as I was a little nervous at the start but now, I am really proud of myself for standing up and giving it a go!”
Forfar emphasises the importance of resilience, confidence and teamwork across its curriculum, ensuring it offers a safe environment aimed at providing a holistic and fulfilling education.
The final debate will be held on 28th June and the students will have a choice in the topic, to encourage ownership and authentic investment in the topic from the students.
Cameron Vale, Horris Hill and Park School are part of the Forfar Education Group, which owns and manages eight outstanding schools and nurseries across the UK.
