Four of our students said they were grateful of the unique experience they gained from taking part in a debating society competition at Warwick University earlier this week.
Two students from Year 8 and two from Year 9 were selected by KSA English teacher, Miss Rachael Davies to take part in the special event that had been organised by the university’s debating society.
The students chosen from KSA were that attended Monday's event were: Year 8 students, Connor Perkis, and Lily Newstead and Year 9 students, Niall Bultitude and Stephanie Lefter.
They went to represent the Academy as members of KSA’s debating club that meet after school every Tuesday.
Over the last few weeks our students have been looking at debating over the European referendum and it is was on this subject that our students debated about for the competition.
On the day the students were divided into teams of two and joined other teams of youngsters from other visiting schools in a British Parliamentary style of debating.
They took part in three preliminary rounds on three varying motions, ranging from  whether referendums should be banned in the UK to whether there should just be one EU football team entered into the next World Cup.
KSA Team A came first in round one and Team B came second.
In round two both Team A and Team B came second and in the third and final round Team A and Team B came third.
The teams missed out on qualifying for the final on the day, but they all agreed they had a great experience at the event and it had helped them with their confidence whilst delivering their successful rebuttals.
Lily said: “It was very enjoyable day and it has helped us with our confidence for speaking and debating in the future. It was a great experience.”
Connor said: “I think it was a really good confidence building and learning opportunity.
Stephanie said: “It was very interesting day and it was good to be socialising with other students and hearing their opinions."
Niall said: “We did find that all of the other groups were at a similar debating level to us, which helped during the rebuttals. The event was really good and I appreciated the advice of the students at the university gave us as well as demonstrating their professional debating skills.”
Miss Davies, who accompanied them on the trip, said: “It was an excellent opportunity for our students to experience British Parliamentary debating with a range of students. The judges offered detailed feedback to each student which allowed them to make great progress throughout the day. The Warwick University students were incredibly supportive and lead a successful debate which led all students increasing in confident and skill.”