U19 and U16 2022 Debate Championships
On the 14th and 15th of November students from secondary school took part in two debating competitions, the under 19 Sir Winston Churchill Debating Competition and the under 16 International Debating Competition. Two days that were filled with fun and laughter from the moment it started until the end. And every student that took part should be proud of themselves as we are proud of them for doing something some people could never do and faced their fear of public speaking in front of other students and teachers they do not know.
These two days gave our students a chance to debate on a wide range of topics that are important to them, whilst competing against not only other International secondary schools from Romania but international schools from across the EU, giving them a chance to socialise, make friends, network, and learn about other cultural identities. In secondary we dedicate weekly lessons to public speaking and debating. This goes from year 7 to 11, to help students get over the fear of having to speak in public and how to engage an audience, not only by how they speak but what they say and how they say it. Debating and public speaking are tools that will help students in their long-term life goals.
Debating is positive for students in several ways. Debating provides practice in developing sound and logical arguments. Debate gives students an opportunity to practice speaking in front of an audience and thinking on their feet. Students participating in debate show initiative and leadership. Alongside this it also shows prospective universities that students have logical and analytical skills, they have good communication skills, are hardworking, good at teamwork and can be a very good asset to the university they wish to apply for.
Most people are afraid of speaking in public but by giving the students the skills in both class time and as an after school club, we are giving our students the skills required to have a good future wherever they go.
Well done to both teams!
U19 and U16 2022 Debate Championships
