The Great Debate is a national public-speaking competition organized by The Historical Association for secondary school students in years 10 to 13. Participants research and deliver five-minute speeches responding to a historical question, competing in heats held across the UK and online before advancing through semi-finals to a national final in Central London. The competition develops essential skills in research, analysis, and oratory while challenging students to engage seriously with historical inquiry and argumentation. It is one of the most prestigious history competitions available to secondary school students in the United Kingdom.
Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.
Building persuasive arguments and responding to opposing viewpoints on the spot.
Writing to convince a reader of a position using evidence and logic.
Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.
Gathering and evaluating information systematically to answer a question.
Students develop argumentation and persuasive speaking skills directly applicable to courtroom advocacy and legal reasoning.
Competition requires researching topics and presenting well-reasoned arguments, core skills for investigative reporting.
Students construct evidence-based arguments on historical and contemporary questions, mirroring policy analysis work.
Public speaking and persuasive communication in timed presentations builds essential PR and advocacy skills.
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