Debate Mate Launch Event

We are delighted this year to be taking part in the Debate Mate programme. Debate Mate is a not-for-profit organisation which sends facilitators into school to train students to become expert debaters! We have found that students taking part in the programme see substantial increases in their speaking and listening skills as well as their engagement with school.

The 14-week programme has begun in school, with Debate Mate's mentors running the after-school club. We were delighted with the level of student interest from Years 7-10, with nearly 30 students committing to the club. Later this year, students will compete in two national competitions - the Urban Debate League and the Debate Mate Cup. The boys are already very excited about these events!

First up, though, was the launch event, which took place on 5 November. It took place at the Emmanuel Centre in London, with students travelling on the tube to get there. This event was a fantastic introduction to debating, as the boys watched a show debate featuring both world-class debates and past students from the programme. There was also a floor debate including participants from all invited schools! Students had a great time, with several commenting afterwards that seeing others debating helped clarify the skills they would need to do it themselves. Well done to everyone for a fantastic day.