Developing speaking and listening through competition

“One theory claims that, since competition is part of every culture and since education should transmit culture, it is necessary to incorporate competition into education to help children get used to it in later life.” We are all subjected to competition when we enter the workforce –competing against others to win the job, so the earlier we are exposed to it, the reasoning seems to go, the better prepared we will be to meet the challenges it poses. Thus, we should learn how to deal with disappointment – a natural consequence of competition – since there is only ever one winner and many losers. “Competition is, by its nature, opposed to collaboration and, therefore, as an element in culture that should be curtailed.” (Eriksen, 2011)

Life = competitive *There were 9000 applications to Cambridge last year. 1700 took up their place. Which means that 19% of applicants are successful. Cambridge University, 2010

Dragon’s Den reflections Multi-layered eight week scheme in persuasive writing, persuasive advertising and speaking and listening. When pitches were presented, the competition was focused and framed in a positive way. Winners from each year 9 class and an SLT boardroom final. Team collaboration and interclass competition.