Debate Pack: Controversial History

This engaging and thought-provoking resource pack invites students to explore the complex legacy of Edward Colston, a historical figure tied to the transatlantic slave trade, and debate whether his statue should remain in public view. Perfect for developing critical thinking, historical empathy, and respectful discussion in the classroom. Approximately 3 lessons.

Included in the Pack:
Lesson 1: Background & Context
A fact file on Edward Colston: his life, wealth, philanthropy, and involvement in the slave trade.
A Power Point presentation with key facts, historical images, and discussion prompts.
Activities exploring the role of statues, public memory, and how history is remembered.
Lesson 2: Planning the Debate
A student booklet with in-depth detail on Colston’s legacy and why he is controversial.
Structured activities to help students build arguments, understand different viewpoints, and prepare for their roles in the debate.
Evidence cards, historical interpretations for both proposition and opposition teams to read through to supplement their arguments , and planning templates.
Lesson 3: In-Class Debate
A fully scaffolded debate format with clear rules and roles.
Prompts and reflection questions to guide respectful discussion.
Optional follow-up writing task: Should controversial statues be removed or reinterpreted?

Curriculum Links:
History: Transatlantic Slave Trade, Empire, Protest Movements, controversial figures, source analysis, constructing and defending arguments using evidence
Black History Month: Exploring historical legacies and representation
Pastoral Lessons: Ethical reasoning, citizenship, respectful debate
Controversial Figures in History: Public memory, historical interpretation

Why Teachers Love It:
Encourages critical thinking and balanced discussion
Supports source analysis and argument construction
Promotes student voice and historical empathy
Ready-to-use and adaptable for different year groups