Participating schools and U3A members
In the 2012 Lords chamber event around 110 14-18 year old students from schools throughout the UK and up to 110 members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) discussed social policy in ‘The Big Care Debate: Who should be responsible for providing support to the vulnerable in our society.'
Students and U3A members opening and closing the debate were split into three core teams, arguing cases for the state, the family and the third sector. The students and members of the U3A were assisted in preparing their arguments by the English Speaking Union and three mentor members of the Lords.
Three core teams
The state (local/national/devolved government)
- Westminster City School, London and members of the Ealing U3A and Hillingdon U3A
- Mentor: Lord Haskel
The family (with a focus on intergenerational issues)
- St Anselm's School, Kent and members of the Canterbury U3A and Thurrock U3A
- Mentor: TBC
The third sector (with a focus on the role of religious and voluntary organisations)
- Banbury School, Oxfordshire and members of the Banbury U3A and Carterton U3A
- Mentor: Baroness Pitkeathley
Students from the following schools and colleges also took part in the debate:
- Magherafelt High School, County Londonderry
- Churchill Community College, North Tyneside
- Cockermouth School, Cumbria
- Fakenham High School, Norfolk
- Penicuick High School, Edinburgh
- Colne Park High School, Lancashire
- Pembroke School, Pembroke
U3A participants attended from regional centres based around the UK.
Image: Students from Westminster City School and Alex Just, Speech and Debate Team Leader, English Speaking Union. Copyright English Speaking Union
