Contemporary Issues debated by our talented local students

On Thursday 22nd January six teams from three local schools took part in our

annual Rotary Youth Debate competition held at Wilsons School. Debating has its

roots in Ancient Greece where philosophers like Socrates developed debate as a

structured form of argument to resolve disputes and sharpen critical thinking. Our

panel of three judges award marks for delivery, content and the power of the

argument proposed or opposed.

Each team consisted of a chairperson, a proposer and an opposer and the subjects

considered were school uniform, child labour, the use of AI, euthanasia, GCSE

examinations and climate change verses economic growth. Each team made

excellent arguments both for and against the proposals and kept the audience in rapt

attention.

Ros, our chair of judges, praised each student for taking part and performing so well.

Public speaking is a daunting prospect for many adults and most of our participants

were doing so for the first time. Ros gave valuable feedback to each student,

commenting particularly on voice projection, use of notes, speed of delivery,

dramatic pauses, gesture and humour.

After careful consideration head judge Ros announced that the winners of the

Intermediate competition were Wilsons School.

Ros said the judges had faced a difficult decision for the Senior competition, which

was remarkably close, and announced that the winners were St Philomena Catholic

High School.

Each team will progress to the District semi-final .

Our congratulations to the winning teams and admiration to all who took part. We

would like to thank our judges and Wilsons School for hosting and all their

assistance and support. We hope all the students enjoyed the competition and will

continue to improve their public speaking, a valuable skill to acquire.

John Chamberlain