Debating is '˜a brilliant tool' say Angmering regional finalists

YOUNG debating enthusiasts Arran Collis and Flynn Hickey have made it through to the south east regional finals of a national schools championship.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Feb 2016, 09:22 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

The Angmering School sixth form students Arran Collis and Flynn HickeyThe Angmering School sixth form students Arran Collis and Flynn Hickey
The Angmering School sixth form students Arran Collis and Flynn Hickey

Students in The Angmering School’s sixth form, the pair have been debating since they were in year nine.

They gave a brilliant performance in round two of the ESU Schools’ Mace, organised by The English-Speaking Union.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arran, 18, and Flynn, 17, were commended by the judges on the depth of their research, clarity of argument, entertainment value and teamwork.

Also taking part were students from Winchester College, Collyer’s in Horsham, Ryde School with Upper Chine, Portsmouth Grammar School and Seaford College, near Petworth.

Arran and Flyn said: “Debating has been a brilliant tool in shaping our critical faculties. We really feel that it has trained us to question our own methods of thinking and reasoning, thus improving our ability to synthesise ideas in all subjects.

“It has significantly sharpened out analytical skills in all our subjects and taught us to step back and consider the ‘big ideas’ and areas of connection as we encounter new topics.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Debating has also given us the confidence to share our ideas and defend them. As students of the humanities, we feel that you gain the ability to structure clear and logical arguments through debating, which is also a crucial part of the A-level examinations.

“As students of the sciences, your sense of scepticism is heightened, equipping you with an internal devil’s advocate, which leads you to demand more thorough explanations of scientific ideas from yourself and others. Debating encourages you to think, something that has helped us both develop as students and individuals.”

Fiona Moppett, the school’s media manager, said: “The standard was extremely high and the Angmering team were all of the judges’ favourites.”

The Angmering team will now compete in the regional finals at Seaford College on Tuesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Littlehampton Gazette Facebook

3 Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:StudentsAngmering