The Big Debate: Refugees
Empathy, evidence and informed voices on one of today’s most urgent questions
Bigfoot’s Refugee Debate gives KS3–KS4 students a powerful, structured space to examine the statement, “We do enough to support refugees – agree or disagree?” Guided by an experienced facilitator, young people learn how to debate with respect, separate opinion from evidence, and test their assumptions against real stories and verified facts. The session begins by demystifying what a refugee is and unpacking the language in the question itself: who “we” might be, what meaningful “support” looks like, and how responsibility can sit with governments, communities and individuals. With that shared understanding, students move from quick-fire reflections into a deeper inquiry that balances head and heart.
Lived experience sits at the centre of the workshop. Students hear the true story of a young person who fled Afghanistan, tracing the urgency of their departure, the peril of the journey, and the complexity of arrival in the UK. This testimony anchors discussion in human reality and invites thoughtful questions about health care, housing, education, trauma, welcome and belonging. The room then turns to the data: routes to resettlement, eligibility and waiting times, entitlements before and after status is granted, and the practical challenges of starting again with limited resources and little time. By weighing personal narrative alongside system facts, learners build a fuller picture of what support currently looks like, and where it falls short.
Throughout, the debate coach models constructive dialogue and equips students with techniques they can use immediately: active listening, clear argument structure, rebuttal without hostility, and careful use of sources. In the culminating mini-debate, pairs and teams argue both sides of the motion, testing claims against the evidence gathered on the room’s “argument walls.” The aim isn’t to land on a single “right” answer but to help students reach informed positions, recognise complexity, and consider what compassionate, effective support could be at school, locally and nationally.
By the end, participants have sharpened their critical thinking and communication skills, grown their empathy, and gained the confidence to speak about refugee issues with nuance. Most importantly, they leave understanding that behind every headline is a human being—and that rigorous thinking and humane action can, and should, go hand in hand.
Debating workshop sessions are 50 minutes long and can take place in a classroom or hall with up to 35 pupils in each session.
