Finalists in this year’s schools’ debating competition will have the chance to test their skills at the Houses of Parliament, as Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, launches his second annual Schools’ Debating Competition.
The teams that reach the final of this year’s competition will aim to impress a panel of judges in the prestigious Grand Committee Room at Westminster.
The initial rounds of the competition begin this month, with three separate contests open to schools in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton respectively.
Semi-finals will take place later that month at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, before the debate final in Westminster on 7 December.
Mr Akinbusoye said: “A key passion of mine as police and crime commissioner is to provide opportunities and support for young people across our county.
“Taking part in these parliamentary-style debates will give our young people invaluable life skills and confidence, testing their public speaking and analytical skills as well as their ability to make an argument.
“Last year’s inaugural competition was a really inspiring experience, and I am thrilled we have been able to further enhance this year’s competition by hosting the final at the home of our parliamentary democracy.”
The judging panel for this year’s final is set to include the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Jane Clifford and Chief Crown Prosecutor Jaswant Narwal.
Each team will consist of two pupils from the same school, aged between 15 and 18 years old. They will be required to debate views they may not necessarily agree with, within a fixed time period.
Judging is entirely impartial, while marks are awarded for debating skills and style, as well as the substance of the argument.
The initial round in Bedford is due to take place on 8 November with the semi-finals on 22 November ahead of December’s final.
For further information please contact pccevents@beds.police.uk
