Resource package to support teachers to hold topical classroom debates which help build children’s knowledge and understanding of fundamental British values

We are looking for a proposal for a product that supports and enhances teachers’ ability to hold knowledge-based debates on topical issues relating to fundamental British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and those without a faith), citizenship, and equality.

Product: To develop, over two years, knowledge-based resource packs on 18 different topical issues (3 topics per term), which include guidance for teachers, aimed at delivering effective classroom debates for key stage 3 pupils. The resource package should include three components. They do not necessarily have to be presented separately.

i. Topical debate resources on three topics per term, over the course of 2 years. The topics should be current , engaging and interesting to students, and related to the following illustrative themes: • Democracy and its history • Individual Liberty and its roots • Freedom of Religion and the history of Religious conflict • Equality and its historic origins • Freedom of speech and its roots • Hate and violence and the law

The emphasis should be on debates that are linked to the above named themes. Debate packs must include a knowledge resource, which should equip teachers and pupils with sufficient knowledge to debate the topic in a mature and informed fashion.

ii. A guidance resource for teachers, on how to deliver structured debates; this should include guidance on how debates could be integrated into subjects in the school curriculum (for example, debates on gender equality when studying the Suffragettes in key stage 3 history). The guidance should provide teachers with advice and information on teaching and discussing topical issues in lessons prior to, and in the run up to, the debate.

iii. Once the first resource packs have been created, they should be piloted in the Autumn term in 3 diverse (demographically and geographically) schools. The purpose of this short pilot will be to test the packs, and in particular verify that they are suitable for teachers across a range of subjects and experience of leading debates to use.

Additional information: Organisations intending to bid are invited to an open drop-in meeting with officials to discuss the specification further and answer any questions. This will take place on 20th July between 11:30am and 1pm in the Department for Education, Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith St, London, SW1P 3BT. If you wish to attend, or would like to but cannot, please notify Ashley Thompson (Ashley.thompson@education.gsi.gov.uk) or Jeeta Patel (Jeeta.patel@education.gsi.gov.uk)

Please note that this contract is for a 2 year period.