Two debate teams from Malet Lambert travelled to the University of Hull on Saturday to take part in the Hull Schools National Debate competition - and won!
The four students who took part - Year 10 girls Vicky, Leah and Chloe, and Year 9 pupil Ellie - had to debate five different topics over the course of ten hours against secondary and sixth form students, including teams from Hymers College.
Subjects included medical decisions, the political voting system, criminals in prison, arming British police officers and the effective use of eco-terrorism.
Leah, who also was given the title of 5th best speaker in the competition, said that it was hard work but became more enjoyable as the day went on.
She said, “Some of the topics were unfamiliar but we were given an information slide to help us. The organisers gave us a ‘for or against’ stance and then we had fifteen minutes to prepare our argument.
“It was difficult when we didn’t really know the subject, and I think some of the other debaters had more experience than us. However, after the first couple of rounds it became really enjoyable and we ended up winning the whole competition which was brilliant.”
Students have been taking part in debate club at Malet since earlier in the year They debate within groups in their weekly club meetings and attend local school competitions.
Leah feels being part of the group has given her some invaluable skills, commenting, “My confidence has increased so much since starting this club. I’ve become a much better and more experienced public speaker."