S P E E C H & D E B AT E
100 Schools Debaters,
20 Mentors:
5 days of Debate Academy
THE ESU CONTINUES ITS TRADITION OF
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO EXCHANGE
IDEAS AND OPINIONS WHILST IMPROVING THEIR
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
WORDS JANINE RYAN
This year’s Debate Academy took
place in Oakham School, Rutland, from
August 7-12.
This year’s Academy saw 99 students
take part from all over the world.
It also had a very international feel
with students travelling from Ireland,
France, Bulgaria and even Hong Kong
to attend. Debate Academy combines
expert coaching, practice debates and
an exciting social programme to offer
participants a fun-filled, yet educational,
few days with the ESU.
This year more than 20 ESU mentors
came to Debate Academy to help deliver
this brilliant programme and their
contribution, both in the classroom and
during activities was a huge factor in
providing an enjoyable Debate Academy
for all.
22 | dialogue
Over the five days students enjoyed
lessons on the practicalities of debating,
lectures on particular themes that they
wished to learn more about, many
debates with feedback from our highlytrained faculty, team-building games and
even a sports night!
A great time was had by all and
already many have expressed a desire
to return next year. We look forward to
welcoming them back!
But don’t take our word for it, here is
what our students had to say: