Today we hosted the first heat of the Leeds Debating Competition. The debate proposal was that 'Children should be allowed to use mobile phones in school'. We entered two teams, one for each side of the debate. Each speaker was scored out of 100 for argument (50), presentation (30) and structure (20). 

Our first team, consisting of Marley, Holly (who stepped in at 15 minutes notice to replace Sam) and Fern won their debate - they were proposing the motion against a team from Micklefield. Our second team - Macy, James (also standing in at 15 minutes notice, this time for Bosco), and Macy-Jo - opposed the motion against Westerton. Unfortunately, Westerton were the winners of this debate. We will now have to wait until next week to find out if we have made the final - the finalists will be the 8 teams with the most points after all three heats have taken place. 

All of our debaters were fantastic - they put lots of time and commitment into preparing their speeches and listened carefully to advice. They spoke clearly and confidently in front of the judges and an audience of strangers. Finally, thanks to Alex and Erin from Year 5 who acted as timers. You were all wonderful and made us very proud of our school in front of the visiting dignitaries, teachers and students from elsewhere.