Whilst many of us spent lock-down eating too much and watching Netflix, one Eastbrook student used his time much more productively by participating in – and WINNING – the Debate Mate cup final.

On Tuesday 7th July 2020, Samuel Ratford represented Eastbrook school to debate the motion: ‘Do businesses have the greatest responsibility to tackle childhood obesity?’

Hosted by Bite Back 2030 and Debate Mate, the Cup Final was steamed via Zoom as a webinar event and also distributed on Youtube, exposing Samuel’s rhetorical skills to a nationwide audience.

To even secure a place in this competition was a triumph. After submitting a video of his oratory prowess, Samuel was one of only eight speakers from the UK selected to participate in the cup final. He had fierce competition, with finalists representing schools including The East Manchester Academy, St Edmund’s Catholic Academy West Midlands, Dagenham Park CE School, Central Foundation School, City of London Academy Highbury Grove, Fazakerley High School Liverpool and Ninestiles Academy West Midlands.

His opposition arguments were flawless and he was victorious.

Congratulations Samuel!