2009 - 2010
Durham Debating Competition

Quick thinking, creativity and working in a team are all skills I improved when competing in the Durham Schools’ debating competition. Facing the challenge of preparing a debate within 15 minutes whilst trying to find your allocated room was testing but most definitely entertaining!

My partner, Malaka Hilmy and I and the other team, Elizabeth Lynch and Sarah Lucas, tackled debates focused around current affairs. For example one of our motions was, ‘This house would remove the right for transport workers to strike.’ Firing ideas back and forth the two Burgess Hill teams planned their side of the motion and argued their points well.

There were five debates in total spread over the weekend and a social event in the evening which was a chance to relax with our competitors. The competition was an ideal opportunity to sample university life and explore the historic campus. As a student interested in Durham University, staying in the halls of residence and visiting the castle and town was an invaluable experience.

Overall it was a challenging weekend and despite feeling tense and nervous at times, the event allowed the Burgess Hill team to gain skill and practice in British parliamentary debating.

Written by Stephanie Somerville, Lower Sixth

28/04/10