Research and critical thinking skills tested at Trust Debate Competition

The first-ever Trust Debate Competition was held at Spalding Academy last week to give students the opportunity to develop research and critical thinking skills as well as build their confidence by honing speaking and listening skills in front of a live audience.

Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students from Spalding Academy stepped out of their comfort zones as they represented the school across the various categories debating a wide range of challenging topics. These included if planting trees is more important than building houses, whether footballers are paid too much money, if AI does more harm than good and should cultural treasures be returned to their country of origin?

The judging panel of Mrs Bland, Mrs Booth and Mr Hind were impressed by the balanced and construtive views from the opposition and proposition debating teams, and how the students articulated their diverse and culturally rich arguments.

The audience played an important part in the debate as parents and students joined in the experience by asking plenty of questions to the debating teams.

Well done to all of the students who participated and congratulations to the following winning students who were judged on their content, effectiveness and style as well as demonstrating excellent quality of argument and speed of thought.