North Wales teachers say debating matters

North Wales teachers want more debate in their schools, following the successful return of the national Debating Matters Competition to the region.

Teachers who returned with teams this year knew that their students were in for a tough time but that tough criticism is part and parcel of the acclaimed Debating Matters Competition. Jeff Collins, assistant head of Holywell High School said:

This competition provides an exciting and very profitable day. All youngsters should be exposed to this experience. Schools from across North Wales gathered at Bodelwyddan Castle yesterday to take part in the 2005 Castle Cement sponsored North Wales heat of the Institute of Ideas and Pfizer Debating Matters Competition. The Debating Matters format demands that teenagers with something to say not only talk tough but also think hard.

To ensure that words are backed up with well-researched, thought-out arguments, the Debating Matters Competitors are put through their paces by panels of high-profile judges. Thin arguments and hot air were given short shrift by the North Wales judges, who included Terry Hands of Clwyd Theatre Cymru.

Through harsh criticism and fierce arguments the North Wales teenagers held their own. Andrew Dooley of the winning St Richard Gwyn RC High School team, said: 'I had never debated before and I was really scared by the competition. But I enjoyed it - it will help with university no end. I am really, really looking forward to going to London for the final.' Andrew's team mate Gregory Stevens was making a second appearance at the competition and improved on his performance last year, gaining an honourable mention from the judges. Greg said: 'Last year really opened my eyes and helped with university preparation. It was tough but I came back determined to do better. I was far more confident this year ... and winning is a lot more fun!' Andrew's and Greg's comments were echoed by their team coordinator, St Richard Gwyn's head of sixth form, Paul Rowlands:

Wonderful day! The students performed superbly well with passion and rigour and we are delighted that we won. We are already looking forward to London.

St Richard Gwyn received £500 worth of Hodder Murray books for the school. Each team member - Samantha Butler, Andrew Dooley, Mathew Gunther, Grace Inskip, Robert McCarthy and Gregory Stevens - received 258 MB of computer flash memory and a book. The runners up team of Prestatyn High School received £250 worth of Hodder Murray books. The winner of the individual contribution prize was Paul Astles of Prestatyn. Grace Inskip of St Richard Gwyn was highly commended and Emlyn Roberts of Prestayn was commended.

Honouarable mentions went to Glyn Morgan of Prestatyn, Kris Fedele Resa, Simon Jenkins, Sally Makaruk, and Sarah Sanders, all of Elfed High School, and Gregory Stevens of St Richard Gwyn.

Danny Coulston of Castle Cement, the North Wales region sponsor, concluded: The standard today has been excellent. To stand up and debate is a very hard thing to do but it will stand you in good stead for later life. I wish every success to the North Wales winners at the London final.

Debating Matters wants to expand in the North Wales region and are recruiting schools now for the 2006 competition.

If you are interested in taking part or would like further information, please contact James Gledhill on 020 7269 9227 or by email, jamesgledhill@instituteofideas.com.