Urban Debate League Round 1

During 2025-26, we are taking part in the Debate Mate programme, with a large group of students receiving weekly after-school tutoring from experienced facilitators. From experience, we know that students who take part see rapid improvement in their speaking and listening skills, as well as having a lot of fun!

After an exciting launch event in November, it was time for students to put their skills into practice by taking part in round 1 of the Urban Debate League on 27 January. Our team of Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students were very excited as they travelled to Chelsea Academy on the tube, accompanied by Mr Assi and Mr Judge. They took part in two rounds, both against Wimbledon School – and, in both cases, competing against a group of Year 10s! Students debated on a pair of fascinating  motions: "Should sets be abolished?" and "Has the rise of the digital world done more harm than good?" Despite the age difference, students performed brilliantly to win their first debate and narrowly lose the second.

This performance means they will take part in Round 2 after half-term, for the chance to possibly progress to the national finals later in the school year! Well done to the boys for representing the school in such a brilliant way – keep your eyes on this website and our Instagram account for future reports on their progress through the Urban Debate League.