The English Debate Club
The English Debate Club was set up three years ago. The reasoning behind it was to give the students the opportunity to practise public speaking skills in English. The main aim was for the students to become used to the idea of coming up with arguments in support of a position that they may not personally hold. The students are encouraged to feel comfortable presenting arguments and speaking in front of each other. They gradually get used to ways of politely disagreeing with others while improving their level of proficiency in English.
During the actual activity, the students discuss a myriad of topics ranging from ‘Do rich and famous people have it all?’ to topics related to social issues and the environment. They first practice speaking in small groups so they collaborate and voice their opinions while speaking in English. They listen to each other and practise thinking on their feet as they counterargue.
This club gives the students the opportunity to obtain the necessary skills to be future active citizens as it encourages critical thinking.
Ms C. Sciberras
World Book Day
What is World Book Day?
It is designated by Unesco as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is observed in more than 100 countries. In most countries, it is marked on April 23, the day of William Shakespeare’s birth.
What happens on World Book Day?
The aim of World Book Day is to celebrate books and reading and is marked in a total of 100 countries around the world. Many schools run special activities to show how reading books can be fun and to allow kids to discover new authors.
One of the most well-known activities on World Book Day is when children are invited to go to school dressed as their favourite literary character.
Some activities that can be done to celebrate World Book Day
- Read an excerpt of your favourite book to a partner. Explain why you like it and ask them for their opinion.
- Write an alternative ending to your favourite story.
- Create a biography of your favourite author.
- Think of questions that you could ask your favourite author.
- Compare a book with an animated / movie version of it. Which do you prefer? Why? How is the movie similar or different to the original text?
- Ask your teachers / families what their favourite books are, what the books are about and why they like them. Are their preferences similar / different to your own?
- Learn about the different parts of a book.
- Design a poster to advertise your favourite book.
- Create a newspaper report that tells people how you celebrated World Book Day.
Ms C. Sciberras