ASFA crowned winners of Debate Mate Regional Championships

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) are celebrating after winning the Debate Mate Liverpool Championships and securing 5th place in the Urban Debate Cup, meaning two ASFA teams will be heading to London for the National Cups later this term.

Debate Mate offers a dedicated programme to schools across the UK, helping to increase speaking and listening attainment and improve a range of higher-order thinking skills and non-cognitive abilities such as confidence, teamwork, and leadership.

In doing so, it looks to address the widening skills gap between education and employment, whilst raising aspirations and helping students to make informed post-18 choices.

Made up of six ASFA students from year 10, the team opposed the challenging motion, ‘This House would give access to the government of private texts, phone calls and emails.’

Out of the four teams involved, the students debated three rounds. With 9 out of 12 wins they sailed through to the finals against Bellerive FCJ Catholic College, meaning they will now travel to London and take part in the Debate Mate National Cup in June.

Tracey Greenough, headteacher at ASFA, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our students have been declared winners of the Debate Mate Liverpool Championships.

“They have worked tirelessly throughout the competition, alongside our staff who have helped them develop their communication skills and taught them how to carefully construct and deliver arguments for and against a range of motions.”

Tracey added: “We are now looking forward to the National Cups later this term.”