For the second year running, six of our secondary schools from across the Trust went head to head in the NELT debate competition. Students took on the challenge and shared their take on some hot topics including ‘should animal testing be banned?’ and ‘should the voting age be lowered to 16?’.
Following their victory last year, Teesdale School warmly welcomed students and staff from across the Trust and happily hosted a brilliant second year of the competition. Teams of three students represented each school fulfilling the roles of chairperson, speaker and questioner. As well as aiming to be crowned the best chairperson, speaker or questioner of the day, the ultimate goal was to earn the title of Best Overall Team and take on the honour of hosting next year’s competition.
Students debated their topics superbly with confidence and conviction, demonstrating their knowledge and research on the subjects. After a fierce battle, Ashington Academy took home the gold, winning Best Overall Team and Best Speaker, thanks to Emily’s fantastic performance. Easington Academy’s Molly was awarded Best Chairperson while Alice from Teesdale School scooped Best Questioner on her home turf.
Head of School at Teesdale School, Anna Cleckner, said:
“All teams were great and did their schools proud so well done everyone; the future is bright for sure with students who can publicly speak in such a manner!”
Teesdale School Teacher of English and 2023 NELT debate competition host, Rebekah Lavery, said:
“Thank you to all of the schools that made the journey down to Teesdale. It was a fantastic afternoon with some excellent ideas and discussions. All of the students involved should be very proud of themselves and a huge well done to Ashington for winning overall!”
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