Arguing for Sport: The St Andrews Schools Debating Competition

What do you get when you take fifteen university students whose favourite hobby is arguing for sport, and then put them in a room with over fifty schoolchildren with opinions on everything and a whole lot of energy? Why, the St Andrews Debating Competition!

Organised by our very own Union Debating Society, last Saturday eight schools were welcomed to test out their debating skills in front of members of the society. Safe to say, the St Andrews contingent involved felt very nostalgic watching younger versions of themselves try their hand at a skill, in these early stages, to which they have now dedicated so much time. 

However, while they might be early on in their debating careers, it was a delight to see so much promise from the future of the surrounding Scottish community. There was much enthusiasm discussing topics ranging from climate alarmism to AI companions and finding your perfect match. Despite the complex range of subject matter, however, all the participating students got stuck in trying to formulate the winning argument.

With children as young as twelve getting involved all the way up to those potentially getting ready to join us at St Andrews next year, there was certainly a whole range of skillsets present. However, seeing some of the more experienced debaters within the group show off their skills with nuanced, precise and well-practiced arguments was wonderful, particularly Erica and Eve, who won the competition opposing the motion that ‘a religious life is more fulfilling than an irreligious life.’ 

UDS First Secretary Iain McGrigor presenting the awards ceremony. Credit: Anjali Padmasiri

Without a doubt, it was the connection made between us decrepit university students and the energetic youth of tomorrow which made the event so special. In a place known as ‘The Bubble’ it is easy to forget about what’s going on outside our beautiful town. Getting to actually talk to schoolchildren and seeing how excited they were to take part in such an intellectually demanding activity was a wonderful break from the usual stresses of university life.

All the children were extremely keen after every round to get feedback about what exactly they could do better. It was heartwarming to be perceived as such figures of wisdom when mentally, many of us feel that we are not much older than the children involved. 

Within our own debating society, having everyone come together to make a memorable event was rewarding. Rosalie Laban, a second year, was the primary organiser behind the big day, and said: "It was such a fun day and I’m so grateful to everyone involved for giving it their all and making it so special." Old and new members of the society bonded together on a jam-packed day; many special connections were formed between people on every level. 

All in all, the event was a success for all, with everyone involved getting something out of the day. With so much going on in such a small town, it is often hard to escape the familiar spaces and people you see every day. But with an event like this, reaching the wider community and interacting with such strong-minded and interesting children, everyone is shaken out of their comfort zone in the best way.