Schools Outreach

At the Union, our outreach team focuses on coordinating school visits, tours, and debate access, free of charge. We seek to demystify the political culture of Cambridge and offer students a unique opportunity to participate in our debates, and witness some of the world’s most prolific talents in action.

Seeking to Demystify

This year, The Cambridge Union is expanding its outreach initiatives to schools, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of free speech. While the University of Cambridge organises numerous outreach opportunities, the Union maintains its own ethos: good debate requires free speech, and free speech means including diverse voices

What Experiences Do We Offer?

We will do our best to tailor a visit to the requirements and requests of individuals schools. Our visits guarantee include a tour of the Union where our committee will be happy to answer questions about our history as well as the University of Cambridge admissions process. Where resources allow, we can arrange a debating workshop and access to some of our events.

1. Observation Of Union Events:

30-45 Minute Introduction to the Union and Debating
Students Watch the Debate
Post-Debate Address and Q&A

2. Debating Masterclasses at the Union

Debate Techniques
Public Speaking Skills
Resources and Takeaways

3. Emergency Debate Session (To Involve More Schools at Once)

Introduction to Debating Basics and Skills
Quick-Thinking Exercise with Simple Motions
Focus on Developing Arguments and Rebuttals Under Pressure
Building Confidence for Future Participation

Feel free to get in touch

Please be advised that while we endeavour to accommodate all requests, the final itinerary of your visit may be subject to adjustment based on the availability of our student-led committee. We respectfully request that you take into consideration Cambridge’s academic calendar when planning your visit and provide sufficient advance notice of your intended date.

We are excited to welcome you and your school to the Union in the near future. Your participation will undoubtedly enrich our community and contribute to our vibrant culture of free speech and debate. Once we receive your enquiry we will get in touch to discuss exactly what experiences your students would like to get out of a visit and whether you have any accessibility requirements.

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member today.

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