London Primary Urban Debate League

Since November 2019, over half of UKS2 pupils have been taking part in Debate Mate Club. The club meets every Wednesday after school and the children are taught how to debate by university students (their Debate Mate mentors) with the support of teaching staff.

The children have worked enormously hard and have shown tremendous dedication - they have continued to turn up and try their best every week despite many other extracurricular and family commitments. All their hard work culminated in participation in the first round of the London Primary Urban Debate League, hosted at Redlands Primary School after school on Tuesday 4th February 2020.

Arnhem Wharf sent two teams to participate in the league. We would have loved to bring everyone in the club but it just wasn't possible for this particular event. The teams did not know the motions ahead of the competition and were only given fifteen minutes preparation time ahead of each debate. The motions were 'This house would ban zoos' and 'This house would not allow children to watch TV on weekdays'. Pupils were also not allowed any support from staff so Emma, Suhena & Sumayyah had to watch on nervously whilst the children planned what to say!

They need not have bothered feeling nervous - both of our teams were AMAZING! Team A was up against experienced debate teams in both rounds but they did not let that faze them. They spoke confidently and clearly, outlining their points passionately. They made excellent use of unprotected time, hurling powerful points of information at the other team whenever possible. Team A won their first debate, scoring the highest out of all teams in the competition. The second debate was much closer, just missing out on a win by three points but gaining some really useful feedback.

Team B also spoke really well, outlining some really thoughtful arguments. They made fantastic use of their floor speakers, who posed difficult questions to their opponents. Team B won both of their debates! We are so proud of both our teams and are looking forward to seeing the results published and the next round of the league!

We have been really impressed with all the children taking part in Debate Mate Club; we have seen huge progress in their debating skills and performative speaking. They have also really helped lead assemblies focusing on debating and oracy - they are supporting their peers and modelling good debating practice and clear public speaking.

Thank you to Emma, Jahara, Jacqui, Tahmina, Salma, Martin, Suhena, Syed and Sumayyah for their part in running the club after school and/or coming on the trip. It has been a real team effort and the club would not be able to run without the help of the aforementioned staff or the support of our parents and carers. Thank you!