How A Liverpool School Used Debate to Challenge Stereotypes and Build its Pupils’ Confidence
In this new episode of All Chalk, we speak to Conor McSorley, Humanities Teacher at St Vincent’s School for Visually Impaired Pupils in Liverpool. Conor shares how his school is building an inclusive, vibrant culture of debate that goes far beyond the traditional model—and why that matters so much for the pupils he works with.
From the very start of his teaching journey, Conor has been driven by a deep belief in social justice and the power of education to raise marginalised voices. He explains how that belief has shaped his school’s approach to pupil voice—particularly for students with SEND, who are often left out of these conversations.
“Debate and pupil voice are not just about speaking louder—they’re about making sure every child knows their opinion counts.”
In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why Conor believes debate is a tool for long-term empowerment—especially for pupils with additional needs
✅ How his debate club runs each week using the Smart School Councils’ tools
✅ Why it’s important to teach students not just to speak up, but to listen, question, and respectfully challenge ideas
✅ How debate has helped students feel more confident, politically aware, and socially engaged—whether they’re talking about friendship benches or the US elections!
Conor also shares honest reflections on trial and error, and how finding Smart School Councils made all the difference.
This is a must-listen for anyone working in specialist settings or looking to make pupil voice genuinely accessible and inclusive.
Want to check it out?
