Ranelagh and Curwen Primary School’s Debating Clubs took part in the first round of the Debate Mate Primary Debating League at Upton Cross on Monday. For many of Ranelagh’s young debaters, this was their first time debating outside of their own school and they did their school proud. Curwen’s teams were very successful, winning three out of their four debates

Debate Mate is an organisation which aims to tackle disadvantage by recruiting and training university students to run extra-curricular debate workshops in schools with an above average percentage of children eligible for Free School Meals. Debate Mate clubs increase speaking and listening attainment, improve a range of higher-order thinking skills, as well as building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.