Bolton School was proud to once again host the local heat of the Historical Association (HA) Great Debate competition at the beginning of December.
Ten students took part in the competition. In addition to Nathan Pierson (Year 12, Boys’ Division), Thea Littlefair (Year 12, Girls’ Division) and Stella Rojek (Year 12, Girls’ Division) there were participants from five other schools: Bolton Sixth Form College, Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, Canon Slade, The Derby Hugh School and Winstanley College.
Students were asked to speak for five minutes on the topic, ‘How does your local history tell a global story?’
Nathan spoke convincingly about the Peterloo massacre, which took place in St Peter’s Field, Manchester, in 1819: 18 people were killed and up to 700 injured while attending a public meeting to demand the extension of the right to vote; he drew modern parallels with struggles for democracy around the world. Stella spoke on a similar theme, about the trade unionist and suffragette from Leigh, Sarah Reddish. Thea spoke about Wigan’s connection to African-American music with the Northern Soul movement of the 1970s and early 80s.
Other speeches on the night referenced Lord Leverhulme, Salford Public library and George Orwell.
The judges were Old Girl and magistrate Vivienne Rink, Dr Dean Irwin (University of Lincoln) and Mr Richard Kirkup (Padgate High School Warrington). All three and Mr Owen, Girls’ Division Head of History, praised the competitors for the diversity, delivery and research in all of the speeches on the night.
After much deliberation, the winner was announced: Nathan Pierson from the Boys’ Division.
Nathan follows in the footsteps of Molly Grimshaw (Year 13, Girls’ Division), who won the heat last year and ultimately reached the Grand Final in Windsor.
In addition to the Great Debate, Bolton School also hosts a monthly HA Lecture Series. All are welcome to attend the final three lectures of the 2024-25 season:
- 13 January 2025: Classics Lecture (title TBC) from Dr Andy Fear (The University of Manchester)
- 3 February 2025: The Dukes of North West England (title TBC) from Dr Jonathan Spangler (Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University)
- 3 March 2025: ‘Spitfire Prelude. The RAF before the Battle of Britain, 1938-June 1940.’ from Professor Martin Alexander (Emeritus Professor of International Relations, Aberystwyth University)
All talks start at 6.30pm in the Sutcliffe Suite (A33) of Bolton School Girls’ Division. Parking is available in the Girls’ Division Quad. Talks are free to HA members and students, and cost £5 for visitors.
All students who took part in the Great Debate heat:
