National Finalists in 'Debate Mate' Competition at the House of Lords

Thursday, July 1^st, 2010

Students from Manchester Academy were today celebrating their success as National Finalists in the Richard Koch Cup Debating Final at the House of Lords last night.

The competition was organised by Debate Mate an innovative charity that uses debating to develop the verbal intelligence of young people. The debate was chaired by Channel 4 News’ Krishnan Guru Murphy and was held in the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords. 

 
The team meeting Stephen Fry

The Manchester Academy students had previously won the regional final of the Debate Mate Competition and last night’s event brought together all the regional champions in front of an audience of politicians, opinion formers and media high fliers including Stephen  Fry, Margaret Mountford and Peter Bazelgette.

Margaret McCabe, CEO of Debate Mate congratulated the Manchester Academy students

“Over 1000 students from across the country took part in the competition and only 8 made it through to the final to debate a motion on abolishing the monarchy. It was an exceptional debate and I was thrilled to see the Manchester Academy students take their place as national finalists”.

The team meeting Margaret Mountford

Kathy August, Principal of Manchester Academy and Deputy Chief Executive of the United Learning Trust said:

“Initiatives like Debate Mate provide an opportunity for our students to pit their wits against other schools nationally and give them the training to develop communication skills that will serve them well in the classroom, the work place and in whatever they choose to do with their lives.

A year ago these students had never debated but took the risk to try something new. To become National Finalists is tribute to how hard they have worked and how much they can achieve. Likewise, the staff here at Manchester Academy quickly identified the real benefits that Debate Mate could bring our students in helping them develop their skills and potential. We are delighted by their success.”