Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School second at annual debating challenge

Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School

Consistency, clarity and confidence were just some of the skills school pupils from across Greater Manchester put into practice during the 2017 Bury College Debating Challenge.

Pupils from Oulder Hill Community School, Whitworth Community High School, Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School, St James’s CE School, Essa Academy, Prestwich Arts College, St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, , St Gabriel’s RC High School, Cannon Slade School, The Elton High School, Bury Church of England High School, Sharples School, Bury Grammar Boys, Manchester Communication Academy, Philips High School and Parrenthorn High School, put forward their strongest arguments to debate topical issues.

After several rounds of well-constructed, thought out messages, Cannon Slade School were crowned the debating champions.

Runners up included Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School who were placed second and Bury Grammar Boys who secured third place. Pupils were marked on their coherence, how they worked as a team, the effectiveness of how they presented their arguments and the quality of their responses.

Pupils from Cannon Slade School were delighted to have been awarded first place. The year 10 pupils had auditioned for their place on the debating squad and had been practising for weeks leading up to the competition.

Alice Saunders said: “We have really enjoyed today, it was great to meet new people and it has helped to improve my confidence. It was also interesting to share views about controversial topics.

Andrew Addy, Curriculum Director of General Education at Bury College, commented: “The Bury College Debating Challenge is a very valuable competition which gives pupils the ability to debate and talk which is valuable practice for both further education and future careers.”

The event began with a welcome presentation from tutors at Bury College who outlined what made a good debate, followed by a workshop where pupils were given the opportunity to practise their debating skills. Pupil were then given time to prepare practise their points of debate before debating against opposing schools which covered a range of topics.