
3 minute read
DebatingSuccess
A huge congratulations to all our debate teams who competed in the UDL round 1 and UDL round 2.
The league tables have just been released and Sarah Bonnell school have made the top 16 schools. We are 13 on the league table for secondary national core team and our novice team made it to position 7! Well done!
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The top 16 National teams and the top 10 Novice teams will be invited to the Urban Debate League Finals to battle it out to be crowned UDL National Champions 2023.
Well done and congratulations to our debating teams who took part in UDL round 2.

WHAT IS DEBATE MATE?
Debate mate is a programme where we discuss and debate about important topics in our society.


We learn and develop our speaking and listening skills.
Debate Mate 2022/23 clubs have now started. This is a 17 week programme with 72 students involved across year 7-10 There will be 4 classes in the F zone with Debate Mate mentors leading. We had a fantastic year last year with so many successes; from winning the London debate cup, doing really well in the UDL and Nationals as one of the top 5 schools nationally, to winning the Pinsent Mason cup and the Deloitte Futures First competition.
The season for debate is now coming to a close. If you would like to take part in this next year then keep an eye out for the new advert in July for the next academic year. Thank you to all who have participated in the clubs and competitions so far.
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?
Debate mate gives you the opportunity to improve and work on your oracy skills such as public speaking and building confidence.
It gives you the opportunity to share your views on topics you care about.
You get the opportunity to compete with other schools
It's a great way to meet new people
It can give you the skills you need for the future for example if you want to be a lawyer or a politician
It would look impressive on your CV
You gain SB hours
IT IS A LOT OF FUN!
WHAT IF I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE?
You don’t need to worry. Everybody starts somewhere. At debate mate you will work with mentors who will help and support you every step of the way Its ok if you are shy or confused, don't be afraid to ask for help. Debate mate is all about learning and developing your skills so you’ll be fine. Remember everyone is welcome to debate mate no matter their race gender or ability.
HOW DOES A DEBATE WORK?
Usually a team will consist of 6 people. Only 4 of those people will be required to speak and the other two help the speakers prepare their speech.
WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED?
Nothing in particular. You just have to make sure you are organised and committed to the 17 week programme. Any other skills you’ll need will be taught to you.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Speak to Ms Sahebdin if you would like to join.
Space is limited.
The closing date for the 2023 Young Muslim Writers Awards is on 14th July 2023 for Ms Sahebdin to enter on your behalf or 6th August for individual entries via the website. ymwa.org.uk

The Young Muslim Writers Awards is back for the 12th year and want to hear from you! If you’re aged between 5 and 16 and living in the UK, we’re inviting you to submit your entry for a chance to be read by our judges!
Each year we run a writing competition for children aged between 5 and 16 to celebrate their creativity and writing talent. We hope to inspire children and help them become confident writers.
Short stories, poems, articles, screenplays and play scripts that are submitted are assessed to select the top five entries from each category. These shortlisted entries are presented to our expert panel of judges comprised of distinguished poets, authors and other notable figures from the arts and media industry.

Shortlisted writers are presented with a certificate and a gift bag of books, and are invited to an awards ceremony where the winners are announced.
Parent Online Safety Course - Information for parents to sign up

The closing date for the 2023 Young Muslim Writers Awa August 2023
- Mr Begley
Our annual online safety training for parents & carers provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to feel confident and empowered to help keep children safe online.
The course is split into bite sized modules making it the most time-efficient course.
It is accessible on any device, any time, anywhere. Scan the QR code and select which course you would like to complete from the list below: 1 2. 3 4.

Annual Certificate in Online Safety for Parents & Carers of children aged 11-14
Annual Certificate in Online Safety for Parents & Carers of children aged 14-18
Annual Certificate in Online Reputation for Parents & Carers
Online Certificate in Cyber Security for Parents & Carers
We hope that this will help in further collaboration between Parents/Carers and the school, ensuring our students are aware of appropriate behaviours online and being responsible for their own digital footprint.