Crackley Hall Win School Debate Competition

Each team consisted of four or five Year 6 pupils and they were all welcomed by Crackley Hall’s Teacher and RE Co-ordinator Mrs Susanne Jackson Mayne who had organised the debate.

Each of the six teams taking part had been pre-allocated one of three questions to prepare on subjects that included: ‘Flights per person should be restricted’, ‘All packaging should be banned’ and ‘Voting age should be lowered to 16’. Pupils had worked together with their teachers to plan their arguments for and against the motions.

Judging the competition was Chris Lynn, the local CAFOD Co-ordinator, and Mike Swinburne from the Kenilworth parish.

St Augustine’s Catholic School, Kenilworth, and Our Lady’s Catholic School, Alcester, went first and they put forward persuasive arguments on whether flights should be restricted or allowed. They were followed by Our Lady and St Teresa’s Catholic School, Leamington, and Crackley Hall School, Kenilworth, who spoke passionately about the benefits and problems that packaging could cause. Finally, Winterfold House Catholic School, Kidderminster, and St Gregory’s Catholic School, Stratford, debated whether the voting age be lowered to 16.

All the teams rose fantastically to the challenge, presenting strong arguments for and against subjects that were clearly close to their hearts. The competition was tough, but the teams showed some impressive debating skills, made some very strong points of information, handled questions, put forward counter-arguments and kept their cool throughout.

After all the teams had spoken the judges took time to consider their arguments reflecting on the points the pupils had made. Announcing their decision, they stressed how close the competition had been and how impressed they were by the children.

Many congratulations to all the participants who stood up in front of the audience and spoke. Public speaking is such an important skill, and it was great to see the children presenting their arguments with such confidence.

A huge well done to Crackley Hall School who were declared the winners of the debate, winning £50 to donate to a charity of their choice. £100 was also donated to CAFOD.

Many thanks to all of the schools for participating so enthusiastically and to the judges for supporting the debate.