CICERÓN
Critical Thinking, Debate and Public Speaking at El Centro Inglés
At El Centro Inglés, we firmly believe that public speaking, debate, and critical thinking are fundamental pillars in shaping confident global citizens capable of leading the future. Our international educational model not only focuses on academic and linguistic excellence but also on developing advanced communication skills, argumentation, active listening, and the ability to defend ideas with respect and rigour.
For this reason, we have developed a comprehensive Debate and Public Speaking Programme that brings together, coordinates, and enhances all activities, resources, and experiences aimed at strengthening these competencies across all educational stages.
A programme designed to transform talent
The aim of this project is not simply for pupils to learn how to debate, but to learn how to think, listen, question, argue, create, and lead.
This is complemented by international experiences such as the MEP (Model European Parliament), inter-school events, masterclasses, internal and external debates, and numerous opportunities to put their skills into practice.
Public Speaking and Debate: preparation for the real world
Through our Public Speaking and Debate Programme, pupils develop essential skills for both academic and personal growth:
Oral expression and effective communication
We foster the ability to express ideas clearly and coherently, with appropriate intonation and control of both verbal and non-verbal language. Pupils learn to communicate complex ideas in a persuasive, structured, and confident way.
Critical thinking and leadership
We promote the ability to analyse information, evaluate sources, construct solid arguments, identify fallacies, and make well-founded decisions. This strengthens intellectual independence, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
Confidence, self-assurance, and self-esteem
Training in public speaking enhances personal confidence, develops stage presence, and reinforces self-assurance — qualities that will support pupils throughout their academic and professional lives.
Impactful public speaking
Pupils learn techniques in persuasion, emotional control, body language, and voice projection, enabling them to perform confidently in any public setting: debates, presentations, projects, competitions, or academic interventions.
Official MEP Organising School – Model European Parliament
El Centro Inglés is the official organiser of the regional session of the Model European Parliament (MEP) for Andalucía, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla — a recognition granted only to schools with a proven track record in critical thinking, youth leadership, and educational excellence.
The MEP is an international programme that promotes:
- Analysis of global and European issues
- Critical thinking and complex reasoning
- Problem-solving from multiple perspectives
- Clear, structured, and persuasive oral communication
- Democratic participation, ethics, and active citizenship
Our involvement in this programme reinforces our position as a leading international school in Spain and demonstrates our commitment to education for leadership, diplomacy, and social responsibility.
Shaping global citizens through the power of words
By integrating debate, public speaking, and critical thinking into our educational project, El Centro Inglés develops pupils who are able to:
- Understand a complex and multicultural world
- Coexist with diverse ideas and respect plurality
- Defend their opinions with rigour, empathy, and elegance
- Lead with responsibility, judgement, and ethical awareness
Because at El Centro Inglés, we are convinced that words build, connect, inspire, and transform, and that learning to think is just as important as learning to know.
