The Historical Association’s public speaking competition, open to school years 10 – 13
The National Archives is happy to be hosting a heat for this year’s Historical Association Great Debate. Taking place in the evening of Thursday 5th December 2024, we are looking for students with an interest in history from West and South-West London to take part.
NOTE: We are now closed for applications.
What is the Great Debate?
The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where students have five minutes to present their speech arguing their answer to the question.
The competition for the next academic year will start in the autumn term of 2024 and the question being asked is:
How can your local history tell a global story?
To answer this question students are encouraged to look at people, places, events, and initiatives that have happened in the past in their local area or one that they feel a connection to which has gone on to have a global role or impact. They might want to examine local campaign initiatives from the past, writers from their own area who affected events, literature or politics or inventions and technological developments.
Anything is possible, as long as it reflects the relationship between local history and any big picture or broad histories and where you can find evidence that the person or place the history is tied to really did exist.
- Download the ‘rules‘ (PDF) and our ‘Public speaking guidance’ (PDF) for helpful tips on preparing a speech.
The Great Debate is divided into regional heats that take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in the autumn, culminating in a Grand Final in March.
Why take part?
The competition is an ideal opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in speaking to an audience and developing their debating skills, confidence and self-esteem.
The winner and runners-up of the competition will receive a cash prize. All finalists will also receive free student membership of the Historical Association.
- Read our ‘Guidance for teachers’ (PDF) to get an idea on how to introduce public speaking and the Great Debate to your students.
- Watch our video on why you should take part: What is the Great Debate?