"Just a quick word to say thank you for organising the Great Debate this year. Rosie thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and has really developed her enthusiasm and passion for studying History at university. There were many wonderful young historians on the day, and as was said, it is very encouraging to see the calibre of young thinkers coming through!

So thank you to yourself and all of the other organisers of the Great Debate - it's a fantastic initiative. All I'd ask is perhaps it could be made an annual event, as we can't wait to enter the next competition!"

Sean Reid , Head of History, St Johns' School, Surrey

 

"As always this is my favourite HA event of every two years! It combines my own deep passions - young people's development and history - so it's a huge bonus that I'm always invited to attend! I love hearing how passionately the young people talk about their chosen topic, particularly when you remember that the students have had to research, write and rehearse their specific topic. I am always glad I'm not a judge, as they had a really hard time this year - the quality of the finalists was exceptional and I had picked out nine winners myself! I really hope that the finalists all enjoyed the day - the venue was spectacular and made for a contemporary yet relaxed environment. Well done to all those who made it to the final - and let's hope for a similarly brilliant day in 2012!"

Heather Scott, Deputy President of the Historical Association.

 

"My predecessors had told me what a wonderful occasion the final of the Great Debate was. Now I don't need just to take their word for it since I saw for myself at Clare College, Cambridge last Saturday, 13 March 2010. The Great Debate is held every two years and blessed is the President who has two during their period of office. Alas, I only get one! The standard of the sixth formers was exceptional (I hear that it was equally so in the regional heats). As I said at the end when announcing the winner and runner up, I would have found it easier to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. We had nineteen competitors each charged with the task of talking for five minutes on ‘why does your local hero matter?' and then answering a penetrating question from one of the judges. Would that we could have discussed for longer since all of us were enthralled by every talk and would like to have known more, not only about the local hero but also why they had been chosen. We had an intriguing range of heroes. Some were well known but were presented in a new light. Others were plucked from obscurity by a passionate oration. The enthusiasm of all speakers was boundless but also impressive was the serious historical research and reflection which underpinned their speeches. I hope that you will listen to the podcasts on the website. You will learn a lot."

Professor Anne Curry, President of the Historical Association.