CSIA students in Youth Speaks Debate Regional Finals

Six Nexus and Cornwall School of Maths and Science (CSMS) students competed in Tavistock, on March 2, against schools from Devon and Cornwall in the competition's District Finals.

Both schools are associated with the CSIA family, offering specialist education for Years 7 to 13.

Teams had to prepare and present a short debate on a topic of their choice to both an audience and a judging panel of seasoned adjudicators.

A 'tough' 90 minutes of debate ended with both teams taking first place in their categories.

Josh T took on the role of proposer, Nell C as chair and Isla R as opposer (Image: Supplied)

Headteacher Emma Haase said: "The students wrote compelling arguments and were able to debate with confidence, humour and integrity.

"The competition is wonderful for developing independence and discipline, so it’s wonderful to see our teams thriving."

The win advances the teams to the Regional Finals of the Youth Speaks Debate which will occur in Cardiff later this month.

The Nexus Year 8 intermediate team consists of chair Lucy F, proposer Taher A, and opposer Erica-May C.

They debated on the topic of whether money can offer true happiness.

The Year 12 senior team consisted of chair Nell C, proposer Josh T, and opposer Isla R; debating how gender bias should be rectified in the criminal justice system.

The teams were assessed by the judging panel on aspects like delivery, subject knowledge, teamwork, timing, and ability to respond to unforeseen questions.

Mrs Haase said: "The speech preparation and rehearsals are very time-consuming and the commitment shown by these students to compete at such a high level is outstanding.

"They have had to work as a team and overcome any nervousness of speaking in front of a large audience to enable them to deliver their speeches with conviction.

"We could not be more proud of these students and what they have achieved."