Local students compete in Middlesex debating competition
Local students compete in Middlesex debating competition
19/12/2016
Students from across London gain invaluable skills by competing to form the most effective arguments
Students from St. Mary’s and St. John’s School with their winning certificates
Students from Woodside High School, St. Mary’s and St. John’s School and Northumberland Park School took part in the first ever debating competition for schools held at Middlesex University on 14 December.
Delivered by Middlesex academics and members of the Middlesex Debating Society, students were involved in two workshops including discussions on current social issues, a mock debate and tips and advice on making effective arguments.
“MDX Debate is a brand new competition which aims to teach participants valuable communication and leadership skills as well as developing students' teamwork abilities and confidence,” said Professor Joshua Castellino, Dean of the School of Law and the Business School at Middlesex University.
“The showpiece competition gives students from across the region the opportunity to compete against other schools, whilst debating issues that matter to them. Professor Joshua Castellino, Dean of the School of Law and the Business School at Middlesex University
“Debate is an important part of the school curriculum but a skill which many students may not have the opportunity to practice in this kind of environment.
“At Middlesex we are committed to providing our students with the opportunity to develop valuable and beneficial employability skills while they are here and our outreach work reflects this ambition to raise aspirations among young people as they begin their journey towards Higher Education.”
St. Mary’s and St. John’s School were crowned winners after progressing through MDX Debate’s opening round and semi-final before triumphing in the final.
"I think this has afforded our students an opportunity that they could not get anywhere else. The fact that they have been taught to verbalise their thoughts is an invaluable life skill," said Mrs Shurkin, a teacher at St. Mary’s and St. John’s School.
Middlesex University runs an ongoing programme of outreach activities working with 175 primary and secondary schools across London as part of its Make Your Mark campaign to raise the aspirations of young people.
The University has recently hosted a junior entrepreneur of the year competition and a ‘Girls in Science Day’ event giving hundreds of students across London the chance to make their mark.
Local students compete in Middlesex debating competition
Students from St. Mary’s and St. John’s School with their winning certificates
Students from Woodside High School, St. Mary’s and St. John’s School and Northumberland Park School took part in the first ever debating competition for schools held at Middlesex University on 14 December.
Delivered by Middlesex academics and members of the Middlesex Debating Society, students were involved in two workshops including discussions on current social issues, a mock debate and tips and advice on making effective arguments.
“MDX Debate is a brand new competition which aims to teach participants valuable communication and leadership skills as well as developing students' teamwork abilities and confidence,” said Professor Joshua Castellino, Dean of the School of Law and the Business School at Middlesex University.
“Debate is an important part of the school curriculum but a skill which many students may not have the opportunity to practice in this kind of environment.
“At Middlesex we are committed to providing our students with the opportunity to develop valuable and beneficial employability skills while they are here and our outreach work reflects this ambition to raise aspirations among young people as they begin their journey towards Higher Education.”
St. Mary’s and St. John’s School were crowned winners after progressing through MDX Debate’s opening round and semi-final before triumphing in the final.
"I think this has afforded our students an opportunity that they could not get anywhere else. The fact that they have been taught to verbalise their thoughts is an invaluable life skill," said Mrs Shurkin, a teacher at St. Mary’s and St. John’s School.
Middlesex University runs an ongoing programme of outreach activities working with 175 primary and secondary schools across London as part of its Make Your Mark campaign to raise the aspirations of young people.
The University has recently hosted a junior entrepreneur of the year competition and a ‘Girls in Science Day’ event giving hundreds of students across London the chance to make their mark.
Learn more about Make Your Mark