Wednesday 8th November saw debating enthusiasts at Leighton Park deliberating whether environmental campaigning should focus on changing government policy rather than individual behaviours in the English-Speaking Union (ESU) Debate Competition against St Gabriel’s School.
The ESU is the largest and oldest debating competition for schools in England and Wales. The union involves around 300 schools each year and offers the opportunity to discuss and debate a wide array of controversial subjects and current affairs. Over several heats of topical, passionate dialogue, students develop their knowledge of the world, as well as their reasoning and presentation skills, in a fun, enriching, and competitive environment.
Coaching the debate team, David Hammond, Head of Science), spoke about the importance of students being involved in the debate team and the skills it gives them at Leighton Park. Debating allows students to understand current affairs and form their own opinions and ideologies about them, vocalising their thoughts and supporting them with researched evidence, giving them confidence in voicing their opinions. David commented that “presenting to professional judges also encourages their confidence in not just their ideas but in themselves”.
Leighton Park runs two debate teams, one for Fryer students in Years 7 and 8 called Arguably Awesome, and another for senior students in Year 9 and above called Debating Matters. The senior team competes nationally at debating events and most recently competed in the European Youth Parliament Debating Competition in Liverpool after qualifying in the regional heats.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ