Posted: Friday 13 March 2009
Morrison’s debating success shows strength in depth
Members of the Debating Society at Morrison’s Academy have had a hectic but successful first half of term. Alongside their regular lunchtime and after school meetings, the Society has competed at a variety of levels. Pride of place must go to Arthur Learoyd of S6 who is one of the five members of the Scottish Debating Team at the World Schools’ Debating Championships in Athens. Arthur played a vital role in seeing the Scotland team through to the Quarter Finals, before their defeat by the hosts, Greece.
Arthur faces a busy few weeks when he returns from Athens. Along with his partner Catherine Lovegrove of S5, he has qualified for Finals’ Day at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. 750 teams entered the Cambridge Union Debating Competition from all over the UK, but only 44 have been invited to attend Finals’ Day. So even before Catherine and Arthur stand up to speak at the Union they will already have achieved something remarkable.
Further down the school, in S2 Sally Andrews and Katie White won a place in the Regional Final of the English-Speaking Union Juniors Debating Competition defeating three other teams on the motion that “This House would elect its police chiefs”.
Finally, demonstrating strength in depth, three teams from Morrison’s Academy competed in the Glenalmond Cup Debating Competition for novices. Katie Hiscocks and Lauren Strickland broke to the final, where they ably supported the motion that “Television is the enemy in the corner”. The cup was eventually won by Craigclowan School, but full marks to Katie and Lauren for getting so far in their first competition.
From international honours through to maiden speeches, Morrison’s debaters have spoken up with confidence and clarity.