Shiplake College’s own version of Question Time takes place once a month during a Friday lunchtime in the Lecture Theatre. So far this term there has been a Question Time for Year 10, Year 12 and Year 13. In advance of each event pupils have the opportunity to submit questions about local, national and international issues that they would not necessarily get the chance to explore within the classroom. Questions are put to four "volunteer" staff panelists, who give their views on the various topics and, once debated, these items are opened up to the wider audience for further comment.
Recent questions include:
Should The Jeremy Kyle Show ever be allowed back on the TV?
Should we continue the monarchy?
Do you think it was fair that Emmerdale actress Shila Iqbal was fired from her role as a result of inappropriate tweets that she sent many years ago when she was a teenager?
Do you think Boris Johnson will make a good prime Minister?
Is global warming good or bad?
Should bottled water be banned?
Is religion dangerous?
Should animal testing be legal?
Should we be leaving the EU?
Should we bring back the death penalty in the UK?
Should marijuana be legal in England?
What is your opinion on gun laws in America due to the recent shootings?
How should the Hong Kong issue be resolved and is the Government acting irresponsibly?
Interestingly, one of the most recent questions, “Should the voting age be lowered to 16?” was a hotly debated argument both for and against. Judging by the participation of the College’s Question Time
Question Time will continue next term, with meetings for Years 7, 8, 9 and 12.
