Exeter students compete in Debating Matters national final
Exeter College students are preparing to descend on the Museum of London nexet weekend, 1-3 July for the Debating Matters National Final, a weekend of intense debate in what has been dubbed ‘the toughest debating competition in the country’.
Competing against 11 other schools from across the UK, ultimately only one school will be proven victorious and crowned Debating Matters National Champions 2015/2016.
A landmark event in the UK’s education calendar, the Debating Matters National Final exposes the unique views of the opinion formers of tomorrow.
The students from Exeter College, who were crowned winners of the West and South Wales region of the competition, will be relishing the opportunity to compete against such tough opposition.
The Debating Matters Competition is supported by primary funder the Wellcome Trust.
The Greater London Authority will host an opening reception on 1 July at City Hall. Secretary of State for Schools, Nick Gibb MP, and Deputy Chair of the London Assembly, Jennette Arnold, will address the students and invited guests.
With content ruling over style to decide the winners, Exeter College will have to leave no stone unturned if they are to prove victorious again in a weekend of fierce, frantic and most importantly, free debate.
The debaters from Exeter College have for the past month been tasked with researching and preparing for a number of tough but contemporary topics including whether humanity should fear advances in artificial intelligence; if there should be limits to free speech online; and if corporate sponsorship of the arts is a good thing.
All the competing schools have been crowned champions of one of Debating Matters 12 regions through virtue of their bright ideas and battle tested arguments throughout the spring.
Exeter College now must get ready for the biggest stage and fiercest judges of the competition year.
The students from Exeter College must make sure they are thoroughly prepared as they will be challenged and critically analysed by a number of high profile judges.
Justine Brian, Director of The Institute of Ideas Debating Matters Competition, said in regards to the Debating Matters National Final 2016: “As a Londoner, I’m so pleased to be holding this year’s National Final at the Museum of London, a place I’ve visited since childhood.
"The Museum of London’s quest to stretch visitor’s thinking about the place around them matches Debating Matters’ own aim of expanding student’s knowledge and critical engagement.
"With a contemporary set of debates to challenge the debaters we’re looking forward to welcoming all 12 national finalists to this year’s grand final.”
