Video & Report: Interschool Debate Competition
Saltus Grammar School picked up a double victory, winning both the Middle and High School divisions at the annual interschool National Debate competition held at the new Berkeley Institute today [Nov 20]. High School runners-up were BHS ‘B’ team with MSA ‘A’ team the runners-up in the Middle School section.
Schools represented through the entire competition included Cedarbridge Academy, Somersfield Academy, Warwick Academy, and Dellwood Middle School.
The High School final debate topic was: “This House would open casinos in Bermuda”. This proposition was presented and well argued, by the BHS ‘B’ team made up of S1 or Grade Ten students Kristen Cusumano, Brittney Ferreira, and Rachel Daly. However, their proposition was defeated by the Saltus ‘A’ team made up of S4 or Grade Thirteen students Arielle DeSilva, Eoin McMahon, and James Mulderig.
Watch a clip of the students debating gambling below:
The Middle School final topic, presented by Saltus ‘A’ team was: “This House would replace textbooks with ‘E-books’”. The Saltus team of Nalani Dowling, William Campbell, and William Way won against the MSA ‘A’ team of Elizabeth Hui, Lauren Allen, and Josie DeBraga.
The debaters displayed confidence and unflappability in presenting their arguments before an audience and a panel of Judges made up of Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith, MP John Barritt, Mr Trevor Leitch, Mr Eugene Raynor, and Mr Gladstone Thompson.
With 78 of some of Bermuda’s young students participating as debaters, chairperson, or timekeepers; the annual tournament was co-hosted by the Bermuda Junior Service League and the Bermuda Debate Society with Berkeley Institute providing the venue.
Click to enlarge photos:
