D E B AT I N G & M U N
At the heart of the International Baccalaureate curriculum lies the commitment to fostering international mindedness and helping pupils recognise their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, with the ultimate aim of creating a better and more peaceful world.
Below, we shine the spotlight on two activities in our co-curriculum which give pupils the opportunity to debate, discuss and explore the ideas and attitudes of countries around the world, as well as to meet young people from around the world: Model United Nations (MUN) and Debating.
Despite being two different clubs with distinct characteristics and focuses, and in keeping with the School’s aim to prepare pupils Ad Vitam, for life, both promote the ten Learner Profile attributes and equip pupils with the skills and interests to become world leaders and inspiring role models.
the art of rebuttal and to master their use of structure, speed and style. Very well done to all involved, especially our prizewinners, and thanks to the student volunteers for organising such a wonderful day!
at the St Andrews Union Debates. The pupils presented nuanced, articulate and persuasive arguments on a diverse and complex set of motions: This House believes that that the feminist movement should reject the narrative that all bodies are beautiful; This House believes that America should support the full integration of Taiwan into the People’s Republic of China; This House would hold heads of local police forces criminally liable for crimes conducted by their officers; and This House would violate a ceasefire and kill all leaders involved in a war of attrition. The pupils showed themselves to be distinguished debaters, and Isla Hutchinson and Claudia finished in tenth place out of over 50 schools from across Scotland and North East England.
Debating Debating teaches pupils to articulate and structure arguments, to scrutinise and question evidence, to think on their feet, to engage audiences, and to speak confidently in public and, most of all, it’s great fun! This year, pupils have enjoyed workshops and masterclasses with experienced debaters, and also competed in national competitions – detailed below are two standout events. The Year 8 Debating Day is a highlyanticipated event in the school calendar. Each year, we welcome student volunteers from the University of St Andrews Debating Society to instruct, enthuse and, most importantly, judge the day of debates. All manners of sports-themed motions were deliberated and discussed, such as whether video games should feature at the Olympics, and the pupils worked hard to perfect
Winning Team: Lana McGuire, Hamish Fleming, Charlotte Price, Emil Zapechelnyuk Runners Up: Harriet Fleetham, Phoebe Garnish, Lia Chalmers, Hannah Wong Best Speakers: Phoebe Garnish, Cecilia Daniel-Pederson Best Team Players: Daniel Slight and Ben Smeddle Winning Island: Skye Later in the year, Claudia Denholm, Nathaniel Tonning, Isla Bell and Isla Hutchinson represented St Leonards
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