Triumphant Victory at the Debating Matters Contest
In a historic victory, a team from Notre Dame College emerged triumphant at the Debating Matters event held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Wednesday, 27th November 2024. The team, consisting of Isobel Gales, Greta Hirschhorn-Nolan, Noah Kitchen, Eimear Lawton, Orin Mabe, and Tom Williams, showcased their exceptional debating skills, in-depth knowledge, and strong team ethos to claim the title of Royal Armouries Champions 2024.
The day began with the first debate, where Noah Kitchen and Tom Williams successfully argued that smartphones should not be banned from classrooms. This victory set the tone for the rest of the day as the team continued to impress the judges with their persuasive arguments and sharp debating skills.
In the second debate, Isobel Gales and Eimear Lawton made a strong case against fearing Artificial Intelligence, demonstrating their ability to tackle complex topics with confidence and intelligence.
The team's success was not limited to the debates alone. Greta Hirschhorn-Nolan was recognised for her remarkable questions throughout the day, while Orin Mabe was awarded the Best Individual Award, marking a first for the college.
Kevin Warnes, a teacher at Notre Dame and a participant in Debating Matters events for over a decade, expressed high praise for the debating team. He described them as outstanding ambassadors for their College and emphasised the significance of their achievements in the Debating Matters event.
The Notre Dame team competed against six other local schools in this annual all-day event. Their victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the exceptional teaching at Notre Dame.
The Royal Armouries in Leeds, part of a larger collection that includes the Tower of London and Fort Nelson, provided a unique and fitting backdrop for the debating competition. While specific details about Debating Matters might not be widely documented online, the event is known for encouraging young people to engage in respectful and well-informed discussions on a wide range of topics, emphasising the importance of facts, evidence, and critical thinking in debates.
This victory is not just a win for the team and Notre Dame, but for state schools nationwide. Kevin Warnes believes that the Notre Dame team's victory is significant for the college, state schools nationwide, and the team members individually. With such a talented and dedicated group of students, the future of debating in Notre Dame looks bright indeed.
The team from Notre Dame College's victory at the Debating Matters event showcased the powerful impact of education-and-self-development and personal-growth on their learning and debating skills. Their success in the competition, particularly with arguments against smartphone bans and fearing Artificial Intelligence, highlights the significance of a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking and intelligent debate.
