Launching the Debating Matters Online Championship

Throughout the pandemic, we at Debating Matters have strived to support teachers and pupils through the challenges and keep debate alive. Earlier in the year, we took Debating Matters Online, running several online debates between schools all around the UK. With restrictions on social events set to continue, we’re launching two initiatives to keep debate alive.

First, we are launching our first ever Debating Matters Online Championship.

We’re now recruiting for 6-8 school teams to take part in the first championship, which will be held over a period of two weeks after the October half term (exact dates TBC). Each team will have a minimum of two debates, and if they beat the other teams in their group they will progress to our first ever online final.

As ever, teams will be put on the spot by panels of distinguished judges, and a team of individual judges will be watching all the online debates to identify talented individuals. Schools will be encouraged to have supporters log on and participate by asking probing questions. In true Debating Matters style, the winning and runners-up team, as well as three top individuals, will come away with great prizes from our partners.

If you would like to register your interest, please email Mo Lovatt at dm@theboi.co.uk stating when your school would be available to take part (during school hours or after school). A draw will be made and schools notified in the coming weeks whether they have been selected. We anticipate that with strong demand, Debating Matters will explore holding further online championships.

Second, where possible, we’d like to help schools new to debating by offering debate training and workshops.

Either in person or via zoom, we’d love to help get debate started in your school. We can offer packages to help students to construct arguments, get a debating society set up, and help pupils and teachers learn how to chair and judge the debates. We are offering these sessions at cost on a charitable basis to schools who need the help.

If you would like to hear more, please get in touch with us by emailing dm@theboi.co.uk.