The Urban Debate League

Skinners’ Debating Team A Off to a Strong Start

Skinners’ Debating Team A made an impressive start to their Urban Debate League campaign, winning one of their heats in the first round of the competition. Team members Carlos, Eleanor, Arthur, and Aylin argued with confidence and responded thoughtfully to challenges from the opposition, demonstrating strong teamwork and clear reasoning.

This positive result sets the tone for the months ahead. The Urban Debate League runs from January to March and will include two additional inter-school debating rounds held after school, bringing together schools from across the region.

These debates form part of the wider Debate Mate programme, which aims to develop students’ critical and creative thinking, empathy, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and - above all - confidence. The programme is delivered by trained university students who act as inspiring role models and peer mentors, guiding students through a proven and engaging debating curriculum. 

The students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Debate Mate Cup, a full-day competition held in March or April at a local university. Finalists from these competitions go on to compete in Grand Finals days, hosted at prestigious venues such as the House of Commons and the University of Oxford, offering an exciting and aspirational conclusion to the debating season.