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Connecting Local, National and Global History: The Great Debate 2027

Last updated: Sep 14th, 2026

We’re excited to announce that Rayburn Tours is sponsoring the 2027 Historical Association’s Great Debate for the second year running! Our sponsorship of this event continues to show our aligned values with the Historical Association. We have a passion for taking students outside of their comfort zones and fuelling the passion for learning by keeping history alive. Whether it’s school history trips or researching a key topic for a debate, our shared values reinforce the importance of learning about the past and the wider world around us.

“We’re proud to partner with the Historical Association for their schools’ Great Debate for the second year running! Watching students step out of their comfort zones, own the stage, and bring history to life with such passion during last year’s finals was nothing short of inspiring. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent this year brings!”

Nicky Astle, Marketing Manager at Rayburn Tours

Discover more about Nicky’s time at the Historical Association Great Debate

This year’s question is:

 

 

This question encourages students to focus on an aspect from their local history that can lead to a stronger understanding of national and global history. Whether it’s a town memorial site dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the First World War to a stately home from the Elizabethan era, exploring different sources can help students uncover different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of how local experiences connect to wider national and global histories.

What is the Great Debate?

The Great Debate is a public speaking competition where year 10-13 participants from schools across the UK are challenged to respond to a thought-provoking question set by the Historical Association. Students then have 5 minutes to present their research and findings to an audience, convincing them based on their arguments. The winner and runners-up of the competition will receive a cash prize, and all finalists will receive a free student membership of the Historical Association.

Find out more

picture from students at the Great Debate with a red curtain backdrop

Why should students get involved with the Great Debate?

Participating in the Great Debate is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their confidence and skills in public speaking and communicating their ideas, as well as strengthening their wider research skills. It’s also a chance for them to explore an area of history in depth through a range of sources and connect with it in a meaningful way and share their results with listeners. It encourages students to consider different perfectives and develop empathy by engaging with multiple experiences and viewpoints of people from the past.

 

How does this align with Core Enrichment Entitlement?

The Historical Association’s Great Debate aligns with several of the core areas of the enrichment entitlement. From civic engagement and researching public records, analysing different viewpoints and communicating ideas to an audience, to arts and culture through creating structured and compelling narratives and captivating audiences to the promotion of wider life skills such as public speaking, empathy and confidence.

 

Where does the Great Debate Take Place?

The first stage of the competition begins with regional heats taking place across the country. Students who advance to the next stage and will compete virtually for a place in the national final, which will be held at a prestigious venue and win a spectacular prize.

 

Learn more about the great debate

outline of megaphone

Ready to transform the history learning experience?

Researching local archives to taking students to where history unfolded transforms the learning experience from textbook concepts into tangible connections to the past. Discover our wide range of school history trips that bring history to life.

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