At a recent class, ILS 10th graders in section 10M competed against each other in a debate organized by ILS International Baccalaureate teachers Lyubov Chernova (History) and Rhonda Slugoski (English Language). The debate was in English, as the students argued opposite sides of the statement: “Winners of wars can determine the destiny of losers.”

“The topic was interesting and not easy,” explains Lyubov Chernova. “We divided the students into two teams: Reds (for) and Blacks (against). First, the teams were given time to prepare and discuss their position amongst themselves. After that, the teams presented and defended arguments against each other.”

A highly complex debate ensued, with the students including in their arguments the policies of countries such as India and Pakistan, Iraq, the USA, the Soviet Union, France and Germany. Also, discussed were relations between Japan and Korea. Each team listened to their opponents carefully and politely, although by the end it was easy to feel the powerful emotions in the air.

“International Baccalaureate preparation is one of the programs offered at ILS,” says ILS Principal Olga Shevchenko. “Its main principle is multifaceted development of each individual in preparation for them becoming active, responsible citizens. It is important to discuss topics such as this debate topic at lessons, as it teaches the students how to look at an issue from various points of view while taking a specific stance.”