Youth Speaks: debate competition

Our junior debate team recently took part in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester. 

The team of three, which consisted of Removes pupils Matti and Dravin, and Thirds pupil Rowan debated the topic: Should the government be able to censor news media?

The Rotary Youth Speaks public speaking competition is organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills in young people.

Taking part in the first round of the competition, the team was accompanied by Mrs McNabb who runs the Junior Debating Society.

She said: “This is the first time that they have competed publicly as a team and they did remarkably well. They may now have progressed in the competition this time but this has been a great experience for the team; I am very proud of them.”

Debate is a fantastic way for pupils to build confidence in public speaking, as well as develop key skills such as articulating their views, listening to others and thinking critically. 

The Junior and Senior Debating Societies meet every Tuesday lunchtime and are open to all pupils from Removes to Sixth Form. Pupils can sign up on SOCS.