Debating Competition
The Law School runs an annual debating competition for schools in the Yorkshire area. If you are interested in competing, email us.
Debating Competition December 2009
In a competition that goes from strength to strength, the Bradford Law School was proud to host the third annual ‘Schools Debating Competition’ at Bradford College. 40 pupils from schools across the region were delighted to take part in 10 simultaneous debates across campus – strengthening their capacity to think analytically and formulate convincing arguments.
Commenting on the prestigious competition, Event Organiser and Law Lecturer, Charles James said: “The Schools Debating Competition is one of the highlights of the year for me. It’s wonderful to see the pupils involved, sharpen their communication skills and undertake responsibility for self-motivated learning!”
This year, senior pupils debated whether ‘Forces veterans should have an extra vote in General Elections’ and if ‘The man who makes two blades of grass grow, where one grew before is of more use to humanity than all the politicians put together.’ Whilst junior pupils debated if ‘It is better to be lucky than clever’ and whether ‘Sport should not be compulsory at school after age 14’.
The standard of debate was extremely high and competition fierce. The 20 judges were extremely impressed by the preparation and dedication shown by pupils who demonstrated key skills highly prized in the legal profession.
Huddersfield New College’s Erin Hill and Samia Hussain scooped the Senior Prize Winners Awards, with Best Individual Performer going to Erin Hill. Batley Grammar School’s Mark Lajca and John Worth were runners up.
Bradford Girls Grammar School’s Alexandra Wild and Bismah Ali won the Junior Prize Winners Awards, with the Best Individual Performer going to Alexandra Wild. Batley Grammar School’s Sam Butterworth and Sam Elsworth were runners up in the exciting competition.
The students were delight to be awarded prizes by David Smith, Dean of Higher Education who congratulated winners and presented them with glass trophies.
Debating Competition December 2008
60 school pupils from nine West Yorkshire schools took part in the second annual schools debating competition at Bradford College.
The competition is run by Bradford Law School as an enrichment activity for local schools. The competition includes categories for senior teams (Years 12/13) and junior teams (Year 11 and below).
This year, senior pupils debated gender equality and capital punishment, whilst junior pupils debated pocket money and whether teachers should be paid by results. The standard of debate was extremely high and competition fierce. Pupils, their teachers and the judging lecturers enjoyed the event. Judges were impressed by the preparation and dedication of pupils who showed they possessed a key skill that is highly prized in the legal profession.
Senior prize winners were Huddersfield New College and Batley Grammar School with the best individual performer being Erin Hill from Huddersfield New College.
Girls’ Grammar School Bradford won both junior team prizes with the best individual performer being Bismah Ali.
Prize winners were presented with glass trophies by David Smith, Dean of Higher Education at Bradford College. All pupils receive a Certificate of Participation for their portfolios.
Event organiser and Law Lecturer Charles James said: "It's about students stretching themselves intellectually and having a good time. The pupils have had an inspiring experience that will encourage them to pursue a career in the legal profession." Charles added: "I look forward to next year's competition which will include more teams from across the county."