Invergordon Academy pupils triumph in debating competition
INVERGORDON Academy pupils have triumphed at a Highland schools debating competition.
Pupils from across the region put their debating and public speaking skills to the test last week, at the second annual Highland Debating Competition for Schools.
The competition saw Invergordon Academy pupils Shaun Love and Cameron Smith triumph as winners over their fellow finalists from Dingwall Academy, Nairn Academy and Thurso High School in the final of the competition.
Sixteen teams from schools across Inverness, Strathspey and Badenoch, Ross-shire Nairn and Caithness, participated in a series of debates on June 18 at the Dingwall Highland Council chambers. They covered a range of topics including public events and parental responsibility.
Shaun Love, who was on the winning team from Invergordon Academy, said: “I had an amazing time at this year's competition.
“Last year I lost every debate so it was great to see my hard work throughout the year pay off. I learned so much during the competition and can’t wait to debate more next year!"
Celebrating the win, Invergordon Academy said: “Well done to Shaun and Cameron, we are delighted to say they won! Not only did they win the over all competition, but in doing so they also won £1000 to go towards future debating events!
“Our debating team have been led and encouraged by Mrs McKie, with support from Mrs Thompson too. Events have been held in Dingwall, Nairn and Edinburgh, so the money won will help us to continue to promote oracy and give students experiences beyond the classroom.”
Jordan Pfotenhauer, programme director at Young Speakers Scotland (YSS) said: "Congratulations to all students for their hard work and commitment to delivering informed and engaging debates and discussion on the day. I'm delighted that the competition has built on the success of last year's event with even more participation from across the region, giving a greater number of students the opportunity to put into practice their competitive debating skills."
Sarah Lilley of Brodies law firm, who sponsored the event, added: “Debating and public speaking encourages the development of valuable skills for young people, for a wide variety of future careers, including law. Brodies is highly supportive of the opportunities that this competition opens up to students across the Highlands and I'm pleased to see that this year's competition has attracted a high standard of debate."
