Today, Year 4 held a debate over whether the Iron Age Britons should’ve made peace with the Romans or resisted their invasion. If the Celts made peace, the Romans would’ve allowed them to continue living and farming as they were. However, they would have to pay the Romans tax.
We discussed some arguments both for and against making peace…
For:
- The Romans had a stronger, more powerful army so if the Celts resisted they would be likely to die.
- The Celts could still live on their land and continue farming like before.
- The powerful Roman armies would protect the Celts from other tribes invading.
- The Celts could live fear free lives knowing they were protected by the Romans.
Against:
- How could the Celts know whether they could trust the Romans would stick to their word and protect them?
- They would have less food for their families as they had to pay tax on their crops.
- They had less crops to trade because of the tax so they would lose money.
- Without enough food or money, the Celts would live miserable lives.
We learnt some top tips for debating:
- Have confident body language.
- Prepare arguments to counter your side’s weaknesses.
- Use key debating vocabulary (e.g. “You make a good point. However…”).
- Listen carefully to the other side so you can respond appropriately.
- Project your voice.
Help at home: practise the top tips for debating at home. Should children have to go to school on weekends? Should video games be allowed in school?