The Politics and International Relations Society is a discussion forum where we can discuss and offer our views on important and often controversial political issues. 

There are a range of discussions that you can take part in that range in theme. 

There are two guidelines that I would like you to be mindful of as you post your comments:

1. All views are welcome. Freedom of speech is your right. The freedom of speech and the right to express beliefs freely is a universal human right protected by Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It declares that 'everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression and can hold opinions without interference', however please be mindful of the fact that with freedom of speech comes responsibility to use it well and to avoid undue harm.  

2. Ensure that you research your facts. Try to find a range of sources that substantiate the facts that you want to put forward. Attached to this post is a reliability checker document that you can download and refer to. You can also view this below:

In 2018 the World Economic Forum recommended the 7 must-have skills children should be learning in school to future-proof themselves and help build the future.

These skills include written and oral communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, an ability to access and analyse information and curiosity and imagination. In is undeniable that the world feels as though it is moving faster and that there is so much information through which children and adults alike have to sift for relevance and truth.

Pupils are encouraged to unpick a range of news stories of the day to try to identify the bigger picture behind them. Pupils have looked critically at news reports surrounding US-Iranian relations, the Israeli electoral process, the international community’s responsibility for tackling climate change and improving sustainability, US-Sino relations and of course, Brexit. 

We ask important questions such as are free and fair elections still possible? How can ethics be built into Artificial Intelligence and is this important? Is national security more important than human rights? Is a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict a ‘just’ resolution? Why is the Russian Federation an ally of the Syrian Arab Republic?

All of these questions develop learning agility and adaptability; when pupils ask ‘why’ and do this continually, they begin to develop skills of analysis which are so important for all types and level of study. When they are encouraged to explore new ideas and listen to views that may challenge their own, they grow as citizens. Reflection cultivates self-awareness and when one’s views are challenged, mindsets are disrupted and this fosters resilience.

While we cannot solve the world’s problems on a discussion board but, we can encourage healthy debate and discussion, improve confidence, listening and problem-solving skills and the construction of logical arguments as a starting point…and there does have to be a starting point that is best begun in youth.

It is only by being curious about the world in which we live that pupils can work towards becoming global citizens and productive members of society. By developing a passion for learning our members will develop and grow into responsible, alert citizens open to challenge and new ideas.

Get involved!