Year 5 have been exploring their debating skills as part of their balanced argument writing unit in English. Our focus question has been: Should animals be kept in zoos?

The children investigated both the positives and negatives of zoos, thinking carefully about reasons for and against. They showed excellent critical thinking by considering different viewpoints and recognising that issues can have more than one side.

During our discussions, pupils demonstrated fantastic oracy skills. They spoke clearly, listened respectfully to one another, and explained their ideas with confidence. It was wonderful to see them building on each other’s thoughts and supporting their opinions with reasons.