Macmillan Academy The Scholar Lab

Humanities · KS4 · debate prep

Who Owns History?

Museums hold treasures taken from around the world. Who should they belong to? Build the strongest possible argument — on both sides.

The challenge

Should contested artefacts be returned to their countries of origin? Pick one real case — the Parthenon ("Elgin") Marbles, the Benin Bronzes, or another you find — and research it.

Build a balanced, evidence-based argument that sets out the strongest points on each side, then reaches your own justified conclusion.

A strong argument doesn't hide the other side — it defeats the other side's best version. Aim to be fair enough that someone who disagrees would still call it accurate.

How to get started

  1. Get the facts of your chosen case: how did the object leave its country, who holds it now, and what does each side claim?
  2. List the stakeholders — the origin country, the museum, scholars, the wider public — and what each one wants.
  3. Set out the case FOR return and the case AGAINST, with evidence, not just opinion.
  4. Weigh them and decide. Say clearly why the points on your side outweigh the others.

Stuck? Open a hint

Try the challenge first — then reveal these one at a time.

Hint 1
Separate legal ownership from moral claims — they can point in opposite directions, and noticing that is part of the analysis.
Hint 2
"Steelman" the side you disagree with: write their strongest argument so well they'd nod along. Then answer it.
Hint 3
Consider precedent: what happens to other museums if your rule is applied everywhere?

Take it further

Turn your argument into a five-minute speech — exactly the format of the Historical Association's Great Debate competition.

Or compare two cases you would resolve differently, and explain what makes them different.

Produce & share

Make something: Produce a one-page balanced argument, or a five-minute speech script, that sets out both sides of your chosen case and reaches a justified conclusion.

When it's ready, email your work to Mr King. The best pieces may be featured in the student showcase.

What you'll practise

Using and evaluating sources, building a balanced argument, weighing competing perspectives, and reaching an evidenced judgement.