Following on from their in-school, six-week programme of training with Debate Mate mentors, schools joined together at Kingswood Arts for the Grand Final of the SSLP x Debate Mate competition. The day started in the spirit of collaboration across schools with students considering a range of motions together – including topics from banning AI in schools, to preferences for McDonald’s or KFC! There was also the opportunity to consolidate the debating skills that they had learnt with their mentors such as using PEEL, with a particular reminder to use evidence and examples to support their points.
It was then time to split up from the main hall and spread out across the beautiful rooms and outdoor spaces of Kingswood Arts to compete in the debating rounds. The motions considered in each of these rounds were: Round 1 – this House believes that the UK should be entirely self-sufficient in energy production; and Round 2 – this House believes that professional athletes should be paid the same as public sector workers (nurses, doctors, teachers).
As each round went on, it was fantastic to see the students developing in their confidence and oracy skills, with a range of brilliant, mature and inspiring debating skills being demonstrated.
After lunch, the student ‘drum roll’ heightened the anticipation and excitement as the two teams that had made it to the Grand Final were announced… St Saviour’s and St Olave’s were facing Kingsdale Foundation school! The motion to be debated was: this House believes that politicians should not have personal social media. Whilst the two teams in the final had time to prepare, the other students spent some time working together to think of questions that they could pose to each team.
It was a fiercely contested final with a range of excellent, thoughtful and brilliantly supported points, as well as thought-provoking questions from the audience. The guest judges – members of our generous supporters, the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB), and leads from Debate Mate – were out for quite some time trying to make a decision; there was little between the two excellent teams. Finally the announcement came… Kingsdale Foundation School were named the winners! There was also a third place prize for Charter North School, and also ‘Best Question from the Floor’ prize for a St Michael’s Catholic College student.
There was a huge amount of respect shown between all of the schools with congratulations and encouraging support all round. It was a fantastic day. Watching the students across our different partner schools both debate each other and also support each other was encouraging, and a reminder that our future is in very safe hands!
Well done to all of the schools involved. With thanks to the leads and mentors at Debate Mate, and our thanks to WCIB for their generous support.
