Criminal gangs and immigration, parents monetising their children on social media, and no- platforming1 versus freedom of speech were just some of the topical issues hotly debated at Heathfield School’s annual Question Time event, attended by over 150 12-18 year old students from Heathfield, Queen’s Gate School, South Kensington, and Newlands Girls’ School, Maidenhead. Local dignitaries and politicians from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat2 parties joined the discussion – among them Mayor Cllr Bhandari and Mayoress Mrs Bhandari, Conservative Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council; Cllr Dorothy Hayes MBE, Ascot Ward Councillor, Bracknell Forest Council; Lars Swann, Chairman, Windsor Conservative Association; and activists and members from the Liberal Democrats: Kerrstyn Laiss, Devon Davies and Julian Tisi.
A panel of students fielded questions on current affairs from the audience, giving all students a unique forum to hone their skills in articulation, persuasion and self-expression.
The evening, which mirrored the format of the long-running BBC TV show Question Time, with topical news questions prepared and submitted by students in advance, was chaired by Rushi Millns, Heathfield’s Director of Careers and Outreach.
Taking centre stage were Heathfield panel – Sonya, Rachael, Oriana and Léa – all Lower Sixth Form students aged 16. Questions from the audience were sent to them for consideration prior to the event, and several meetings before and after were set up to explore the questions and answering techniques. Questions ranged from, ‘What should the UK do to stop people paying criminal gangs and risking their lives to illegally cross the Channel in small boats?’; ‘ Should anyone be no-platformed or is freedom of speech a necessity in a functional society?’; and ‘Should parents be allowed to monetise children on social media?’
“It’s extremely important that all schools raise awareness of current and world affairs,” said Rushi Millns. “This event aims to encourage students’ engagement in politics, give them an opportunity to develop public speaking skills, ensure that they hear different viewpoints and opinions and promote British Values and freedom of speech, which is why, every year, we invite students from other schools too.”
Commenting on the event, Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said, “I have been coming to Heathfield’s Question Time since it was started by Rushi Millns five years ago and I am always struck by the depth of understanding demonstrated by the students and their desire to understand why and how the circumstances are the way they are. They are very impressive young women and the event is well organised and enjoyable.”
Headmistress, Sarah Wilson, added, “Here at Heathfield one of our key values is to foster compassion, empathy, understanding and friendship by building respect for oneself and others. Question Time gives our students a safe forum to try out different points of view and listen to differing opinions. Society is continuously evolving and young people have an important role to play in communicating their experiences. Education should help young people use their voice confidently and intelligently, forming their own opinions and learning how to argue in an empathic way, enabling them to make positive changes to their worlds.”
- No-platforming – is the action or practice of preventing someone holding views regarded as unacceptable or offensive from contributing to a public debate or meeting.
- Politicians from the Labour Party were invited, but unable to attend this year.
