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Urban Debate League 2

Today we are delighted to celebrate the Urban Debate League being held at Eastbrook School. In total five schools are in attendance – Robert Clack, Hornchurch High School, Barking Abbey, Mulberry and Greatfields School. All attendees are greeted and invited towards East Hall where Azaan Akbar – Director of Education UK – kindly offers an introduction. The motion we are presented with is as follows ‘This House would ban developing countries from allowing companies with negative environmental practices from operating within them’. All students listen in awe as they prepare themselves for the evening to come. One by one each match is read aloud and each team swiftly venture into the East classrooms where in unison they plan for the task ahead.

Spirits are high as each challenge begins with the rules being – each speech must be 3 to 5 minutes (time is kept by a designated Time Keeper), after one minute Debaters are welcome to challenge the speaker with a POI (Point of Information) and this challenge is motioned with the gesture of placing your hand on your head and raising your arm and politely saying ‘Point of Information’. Normally, speakers are advised to speak at around 7 volume which is loud enough to be heard clearly.

During the first round, I have the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Akbar to further understand his thoughts on this exciting event. He says that he is always excited for these competitions as he loves that our community of Barking and Dagenham come together and show support. Furthermore, he mentions that he feels Debate Mate aids in the development of young people’s social skills.

After speaking with some of the visiting students I learn that they feel the atmosphere is exhilarating, and that they love the facilities we are able to provide here at Eastbrook.

Round 2 begins and once again the matches are decided based on previous results. Our teams bravely face a new match. The second round begins in a similar fashion to the first but with a new motion – ‘This House would ban private news sources’. Throughout the debate, I am able to look in on some of the debates taking place and all teams present are enjoying themselves and displaying our Proud values as they do.

Article written by Tommy Lee-Gilbert and supported by Terri Suter Year 8. 

Update: It gives me great pleasure to congratulate our Year 7 team who won their second round. Our Year 8 team were wonderful but unfortunately did not win a round this time. We are all so proud of their hard-work and dedication as well as the excellent sportsmanship all teams displayed. We look forward to the next challenge with our phenomenal teams representing us.