Inter-Schools Debate: The Final Motion!

Pupils from each Forfar School met on screen recently to take part in an inter-schools debating contest.  The competition enjoyed representation from children in years 5 and 6 assembled in their classrooms and met their peers on screen to discuss a myriad of topics during the course of the competition.  Eventually, the contest was whittled down to two schools for the final thrilling debate, Argyle House School in Sunderland and Park School in Bournemouth. 

The final motion they were to discuss was, “All athletes should be paid the same for competing in international competitions such as the Olympics.”  With the participating children ready, fellow pupils from the other schools also joined the webinar to watch.  They were fortunate to be joined on the judging panel by Stuart Head, a former Olympian athlete.  Mr. Head represented the UK at hockey and competed in the Commonwealth Games in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.

With the stage set, four children from each of the two competing schools introduced themselves to their audience and made their opening arguments.  Taking it in turns to present their opinions and facts, the girls and boys confidently articulated their views on the topic, as well as asking questions to the opposing team.  With the judging panel asking questions to each team to further test their knowledge and powers of persuasion, the pupils answered them all with great conviction.  It was clear that both teams had thoroughly prepared their arguments, but at the end of the contest, the judges agreed that the winners of this year’s debate were Argyle House School.

A firm favourite in the schools’ calendars, the competition is an annual event and provides children in their final two years of prep school with the opportunity to develop their research and critical thinking skills, engage with different topics and practice speaking in front of an audience. 

‘Head Judge’ for the contest was Kate Farrell, whose usual role at Forfar Education is HR Director.  Kate commented that, “The standard of debating displayed by our children across the Forfar schools was particularly high.  The teams were all committed, well-prepared and articulate.  They had thought carefully about the important questions they had been asked to consider, and crafted compelling arguments for and against each motion.  It was a great pleasure to see their debating and public speaking skills develop and I look forward to next year's contest.”

Stuart Head went on to add, “I thoroughly enjoyed my role as an adjudicator.  Listening to the well-crafted speeches, watching their confident delivery, and witnessing the respectful and thoughtful rebuttals has been an absolute pleasure.  In debates, there are no winners or losers.  Every single child has achieved something remarkable here.  They have demonstrated courage by standing up and speaking out.  They have shown dedication through their preparation and practice.  They have exemplified respect by listening to and engaging with their peers' arguments.  Perhaps one day one of these Forfar children will be a future Olympian or Winter Olympian!”