More than 100 students from 15 schools in 11 countries took part in this year’s Student World Debate Competition, hosted by the English International College, Marbella.  Over the course of three days, students had the opportunity to showcase and refine their debating skills, forge international friendships, and explore the Costa del Sol.

The event began with a fantastic cultural day, giving students to opportunity to see the sites of Málaga whilst getting to know one another. The students explored the city on Segways, visited the beautiful and historic Alcazaba fortification, and enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the rooftop of Málaga Cathedral. The day was topped off with a fabulous Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Vincci Beach Club, where students enjoyed a live Flamenco show.

Friday morning saw the start of the competition as students debated their two prepared motions: 'This House believes that reality TV is unethical’, and ‘This House believes that direct action is the best way to secure political change’. These debates allowed students to display their excellent preparation and research. After a well-earned lunch, all teams took part in an impromptu debate: ‘This House believes that globalisation is a force for good’. Students showed off their very impressive problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

The showcase debate closed the events on Friday with the motion ‘this House believes that cats are better than dogs’. The teams were made up of the top debaters of the day, and the motion was debated in good spirits and good humour.

On Friday evening, participants were treated to a Cuban-themed party with live musicians and an impressive spread of international food. This was a fantastic way for students and staff to relax after a day of intense debating. 

On Saturday, the competition heated up as teams battled it out in the Silver Plate and Cup tournaments. Students debated impromptu motions, including ‘This House believes that prisoners should have the right to vote’ and ‘This House believes that the purpose of education should be to prepare students for the workforce’.  The highly topical motion for the final of each tournament was ‘This House believes that negative economic growth is the best way to fight Global Warming’.

The Silver Plate final saw the International British School of Bucharest compete against the British School of Amsterdam in a well-fought and controversial debate. Congratulations to the International British School of Bucharest for taking home the Silver Plate.

The Cup final saw St George’s International School, Luxembourg take on the British School in the Netherlands. Both teams put forward insightful and thought-provoking arguments. After a brilliant finale, team proposition, The British School in The Netherlands was crowned the winner of the Cup Competition. 

The competition closed with a prize giving ceremony, where winning teams were presented with awards.

 

 

 

 

The British School in The Netherlands                   International British School of Bucharest

Congratulations to all the schools that took part:

• Azerbaijan British School (Azerbaijan)
• British School of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• British School of Bucharest (Romania)
• British School of Caracas (Venezuela)
• British School of Gran Canaria (Spain)
• Dubai College (UAE)
• Edron Academy (Mexico)
• English College in Prague (Czech Republic)
• English International College, Marbella (Spain)
• International British School of Bucharest (Romania)
• Mougins School (France)
• Prague British International School (Czech Republic)
• Rygaards International School (Denmark)
• St George’s International School (Luxembourg)
• The British School in The Netherlands (The Netherlands)

We would like to thank the staff and students at the English International College, Marbella for hosting a fantastic and engaging event.