On Tuesday 14th March, two groups of eight from our A Level Law and Politics courses took part in the South East Heat of the European Youth Parliament Debate Competition, with one team winning a place at the National Competition! Our students competed against two teams from both Bede’s School and Hurstpierpoint College.
The two teams from Bexhill College represented the ECON (Economic and Monetary Affairs) and LIBE (Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs) committees, presenting resolutions on the rising cost of energy and impact on cost of living on the most vulnerable members of society and the reintegration of convicts into society respectively.
Our students had been working in teams since October to prepare for the competition, researching the various topic areas, critically analysing resolutions, familiarising themselves with formal debate language, and preparing, proposing, and opposing speeches and responses. Maya, a member of the team through to the National Competition, commented that she “enjoyed the fast-paced debate, and being able to develop my team working skills. Team ECON had fun”.
Both teams were successful in securing majorities to pass their resolutions, utilising technology and their previous research to respond in detail to questions and criticisms, using persuasive language and debate techniques to garner support for their proposals. Louis, from team LIBE, stated that he “enjoyed the fast-paced thinking to think of questions and responses”.
Teacher Gemma Webb said, “all students did exceptionally well and worked collaboratively throughout the day to support each other, and we are very proud of all of them”.
Team ECON will be representing Bexhill College at the National competition being held at Liverpool Hope University in September 2023.
