Junior Debating Competition at Brighton & Hove Prep.

On Thursday 21st June, the six excited (if somewhat nervous) members of the Junior School debating team left Croydon to travel to Hove to participate in our first ever debating competition. After our train journey, we arrived in sunny Hove (no time for a beach visit unfortunately) and arrived at Brighton & Hove Prep, ready for an afternoon of debating.
The format of the competition was challenging. Each team had ten minutes to prepare arguments for or against the motion and then the debate began. Each team member had specific roles to fulfill. These included making an opening statement, arguing specific points, taking questions and making rebuttals and, finally, summarising the argument. Not easy when you have seen the motion only ten minutes earlier.
In the first round, the Croydon High team were up against Brighton & Hove B team and had to argue for the motion ‘Bottled mineral water should be available throughout the UK.’ After an excellent opening statement from Elsa, it was time for Ellie, Isabella and Jessica to give their arguments, backed up with more detail and evidence. Despite their nerves, they spoke clearly and convincingly, putting forward their ideas eloquently. Then it was time for Alice to take questions and to make rebuttals. Despite fierce opposition from the opposing Brighton & Hove team member, she was able to challenge all of the arguments convincingly, not allowing her to gain the upper hand. At the end, Amelia gave an excellent summary of the arguments.
After a well-deserved break for refreshments, we returned to the hall to watch two other teams debating. Afterwards we learned that we had won our round and were through to the final! The team was so excited. All sign of nerves now gone, they confidently took to the stage for the final: a 3-way debate on the subject of the most important global goals for 2018. It was great to see that in this debate the team had grown in confidence and had clearly picked up some tips. Every team member performed their role superbly and it was easy to forget that this was their first debating competition. Despite an excellent performance, the team narrowly missed out on first place but were delighted with their overall third place. The train carriage on the way home was noticeably quieter. Debating is tiring stuff! A very well done to the whole team: Elsa, Jessica, Alice, Amelia, Ellie and Isabella. We are very proud of you.