Susana Núñez, Education Officer (Second Level)
The Educate Together Secondary Schools Junior Debating Competition is entering its fifth year, with the first round of the competition due to begin in the coming weeks.
With 20 of the established Educate Together Secondary Schools already taking part, we would like to invite all new schools or those who have not yet joined the movement to take the leap this year. This is an opportunity for your students to engage in a meaningful and exciting experience, sharpening their critical thinking and public speaking skills while debating important issues.
The competition was the brainchild of the late Colm Kehoe, former Principal of Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School. He had the vision to create an opportunity for Educate Together students and staff members to promote the values of Educate Together through a national forum. Alongside other Educate Together Secondary School Principals, Colm spearheaded the competition in its inaugural year – online – in 2021.
Since then, the competition has grown in prestige, with student voice and leadership at its core. Through the competition, students learn to think on their feet, listen carefully, answer challenging questions, and articulate their ideas clearly. These skills will benefit them long after their participation in the competition.
The motions debated often center around current affairs, Global Citizenship Education, and students’ lived experiences. These topics are designed to provoke thought, challenge perspectives, and encourage students to explore their own values in a supportive, competitive environment.
Quick facts about the competition:
- How many years has it been running? The competition is now in its 5th year.
- How many schools participated last year? A total of 20 schools joined the competition.
- Who have been the winners over the years?
- 2021 – Galway ETSS
- 2022 – Cork ETSS
- 2023 – Galway ETSS
- 2024 – Galway ETSS
- What kinds of motions have featured in the past? Motions from last year included topics such as media bias, climate responsibility, and the balance between freedom of speech and censorship.
- What are we asking? We are actively seeking more schools to join this year’s competition. Additionally, we are looking for Group Coordinators from schools that are already participating to assist in organising the round stages. Schools will also be expected to provide student judges to preside over some of the debates.
- Who is coordinating the competition this year? This year, the competition is being run by a dedicated committee, with representatives from Wicklow ETSS, Galway ETSS, and Clogher Road Community College.
For any schools considering joining the competition for the first time or those eager to get involved in a greater capacity, now is the perfect time to take the leap and be part of this growing movement!
Let’s continue to champion student voice, leadership, and the values of Educate Together through spirited debate!
