Students take on hot topics at Debate Mate Cup Final – from fast fashion to streaming
Students from Smith’s Wood Academy took part in the Debate Mate Cup Final earlier this month, showcasing powerful public speaking and critical thinking skills.
Our partnership with this prestigious programme, which provides opportunities for students from all backgrounds to build confidence and develop essential life skills, is part of our wider commitment to enriching lives and transforming futures.
The event, held at the University of Birmingham, brought together teams from schools across the West Midlands who tackled challenging motions around fast fashion, streaming vs the cinema, and whether major sporting events should drive urban development.
A team of predominantly Year 7 pupils, alongside a Year 9 student, represented the school with confidence and maturity, competing against teams from across the region. Their ability to speak clearly, challenge opposing arguments and work collaboratively throughout the day was particularly impressive and reflected the progress they have made through the programme.
Mrs Kennett, English teacher at Smith’s Wood Academy, who accompanied the students alongside school librarian Anna Kelsey, said: “It was fantastic to see our students speaking with such confidence about complex national issues in front of pupils and teachers from other schools. They showed real resilience when responding to questions and supported each other brilliantly. Opportunities like this help students develop skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.”
