Lucy, a student from Cheadle Hulme Sixth Form, was announced the winner of the Historical Association’s Great Debate 2023.
The Great Debate is a public speaking competition for students aged 16-19.
After winning the regional heats in January, Lucy was invited to compete in the national final on Saturday 25th March.
She headed to Windsor Castle this weekend to compete with 27 finalists from across the UK, including a student from Laurus Ryecroft who also won in January!
Khadija (left) and Lucy (right) were excited to have made the national finals of the prestigious Great Debate
Each finalist was given five minutes to answer the question:
‘Why does History matter to me?’
Lucy argued that history had provided her with an opportunity to learn about other people’s experiences, lives, customs, and ideas.
The judging board consisted of Professor Peter Mandler, Cambridge University (HA President), Dr Alison Kitson, Associate Professor of Education at UCL (HA Deputy President) and Professor Claire Langhammer, Director of the Institute of Historical Research.
The judges found it difficult to choose a winner as every participant made ‘incredibly strong and full arguments.’
After much deliberation, Lucy was named the winner.
She impressed the judges with her research and eloquently demonstrated how the study of History can be a tool to engage with others.
Lucy was also commended for demonstrating how History has given her the knowledge to explore different people’s identity and attitudes.
We are thrilled to hear of Lucy’s success; to win this prestigious competition is testament to her passion for her subject and for debate!
See the official announcement on the Historical Association’s website.