Global Young Leaders at Dulwich College

14-17 years olds, girls and boys

This course is suited to students with an upper intermediate to advanced level of English, with debating skills ranging from beginner to highly experienced. It is about using debate to help young people develop the skills that such demanding careers as politics and business will require. The global themes which provide the focus for the course are particularly appropriate given the international mix of participating students. Through the format of British Parliamentary Debating, thinking skills are strengthened, knowledge about the political world is gained and the ability to argue in support of a well-analysed opinion is developed. Our debating imitates the legislative process but always keeps the focus on thinking and speaking and so is applicable to any situation in which policy decisions must be made and persuasively defended; whether corporate, national or international, this is a course in governance.

The course is a two week programme combining a number of elements to build skills in speaking and listening through debating but also to develop critical thinking and an awareness of the complexities relating to global issues: the environment, poverty and development, cultural policy, world politics and international security. Mornings are devoted to EFL classes and warm up games and there is an informative seminar on the day’s global theme. Students also participate in workshops and exercises focusing on particular language skills including structuring arguments and mastering appropriate styles of presentation. The course provides a total of 15 hours per week of EFL classes.

After lunch comes the practice debate with detailed feedback, and the day concludes with a lively social programme each evening. There are two full day trips each week which include visits to London, Oxford and Cambridge and there are opportunities to use the College’s excellent sports facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool.

Global Young Leaders courses are run by Our World English Schools and are recommended by BABSSCo.