How The Stockwood Park Academy supports your child in finding their voice

The KS3 and KS4 Debate Clubs were created to give every student a space to be heard—whether their voice is quiet or bold. At their heart is a simple but powerful idea: everyone belongs, and every perspective matters. There are no rigid expectations, no pressure to be perfect—just meaningful topics, open minds, and a supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves.

Below, you’ll find reflections from our debaters, sharing their personal journeys and the ways the club has inspired and empowered them:

“My name is Rayyan. I joined the Debate club in January 2026. I have never felt more brave to speak up. Now, I usually raise my hand in lessons at lot. My confidence has increased.” -Rayyan (YR8) , Member of the Key-Stage Three Debate Club

“Hello, my name is Aminul. Our debate club here at TSPA has helped me improve my confidence greatly. There are so many things to do at this club - you can be the judge, or a speaker; both roles hold important values and skills. The club is very exciting, and you can debate about many different things, from something funny to something that could help you later in life. This club is very energetic and has kind people in the community, so, in my opinion, you should join our Debate Club because it's super fun!” – Aminul (YR8) , Member of the Key-Stage Three Debate Club

“At around the start of year eight, my second year of high school, I discovered Miss Kabir's Key-Stage Three debate club. At the time, this was quite a revelation to me, as I am most intrigued by solving political, ethical and controversial dilemmas, and also found the idea of defending or opposing a point on a bench in Parliament rather exciting. I truly believe that this club has opened a new door for me in life, as it has given me the opportunity and skills necessary to publicly voice my opinion on a specific matter something that I experienced a bit less in my first year of secondary school, before I encountered Miss Kabir and her club. I primarily value the ability it has given me to think, rationalize and speak on the spot effectively, in quick or public scenarios. This is not only a skill that I value merely because it is a skill at all, but for the sake of my future; thinking and speaking with limited time is something we all are almost certain to need to do at some point in our adult lives, be it a job interview, or in social events. Furthermore, this club is also rather flexible; our host actively considers all suggestions given to her, and allows us to experiment with different themes and systems, such as alternating between court-themed and Parliament-themed debates, and allowing any and all people to debate on whatever side of the motion as one wishes.

Overall, The Stockwood Park Academy's Key-Stage Three debate club has given me the skills and confidence necessary to support me in adult life and allowed me to enhance my overall experience in school- this is most certainly preferable to simply eating lunch as per usual for all five days of the school week. Here, we respect, empower and discover.” – Rayyan  (YR8), Member of the Key-Stage Three Debate Club

I joined debate club because I thought it would help me with improving my speaking skills and publicly speaking Infront of others. Joining the KS3 debate club helped me a lot because I can now not only speak confidently but I have the confidence to apply for the opportunities that Stockwood provides, such as the chance to join Luton Youth Club. I am happy to say that I am now part of Luton Youth Club. Looking back, I did not expect to be this confident to join new things but now I am. I’m very happy that I can bring my friends to the debate club because I can share my passion with arguing and debating with people. I also like how, when we talk, we don’t argue, we share opinions which are expressed kindly and respectfully, but, I guess, that is what being a Stockwood student is. – Suraiya (YR8), Member of the Key-Stage Three Debate Club

“My name is Sloan and I am in Yr8. I have been going to debate club since November 2025. I enjoy debate club because you get to have the chance to argue and judge different motions and this has helped me be more confident in speaking in front of others” – Sloan (YR8), Member of the Key-Stage Three Debate Club

“Well, one reason why I like debate club is that it is competitive and you have free speech to say whatever you like. It makes people more interactive and it also supports your mental health. I found it very interesting and I feel like I am more comfortable talking to people. I definitely do not regret joining so you shouldn’t to…..” – Shefat (YR8), Member of the Key Stage Three Debate Club

If you’d like your child to build confidence, make new friends, and develop their voice, the KS3/KS4 Debate Club is always open to new debaters.

Written by Miss Kabir (Debate Club Lead) and members of TSPA Debate Club.