KS5 Debate at Newman University

This week, a team of Year 12 students went to Newman University to participate in the second annual Key Stage 5 debate.

Karolina, Luci, Caitlin and Alex set off from school at midday, not knowing what they were going to have to debate later in the day, but expecting many challenging proposals to be on the table. 

At the university, topics for debate were randomly allocated and Karolina, Luci, Caitlin and Alex had to go off to the library and prepare their speech, as well as preparing rebuttals for any potential opposing arguments. Their task was to support the motion that, with the Brexit deal being agreed on, Britain should only allow in the “brightest and best”.

Our team had the daunting task of opening the first debate. Karolina, as the first speaker, spoke clearly and naturally in the opening speech, engaging the audience. The opposition then proceeded to give their opening speech before Alex delivered several points in rebuttal as the team’s seconder – a challenging role which requires you to respond to the other team in a very short time period.  

The judges, after much deliberation, announced that St Paul’s were the winning team, with St Thomas Aquinas achieving an admirable score of 37/50 from both judges. 

Well done to the team for doing a fantastic job, despite being fairly new to the world of debating and debate competitions!

Mrs Deegan
Teacher of English