The 2020/21 tournament

The second round heats of the 2020/21 tournament took place in January and we would like to say a massive well done to all participants who delivered fantastic arguments for and against the motion 'This house would abolish the Olympic Games'.

Prior to the heats, our debaters were provided the opportunity to attend a training session with Redvoice, during which they heard from professional actress, communication trainer and voice coach, Victoria Pritchard, on how to present themselves and communicate effectively online and it was great to see so many of our participants putting their new skills into action!

We now look forward to the semi-final heats which are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 18 March and Tuesday, 23 March where we will see a return to the 'unseen motion', giving our semi-finalists just one hour to prepare - without the use of technology!  Congratulations to all schools who have made it through to the next phase:

• Balfron High School
• Biggar High School
• Broxburn Academy
• Douglas Academy
• Fortrose Academy
• Marr College
• Meldrum Academy
• Peebles High School x 2
• Perth Academy
• St Columba's RC High School
• The High School of Glasgow
• The Mary Erskine School
• The Royal High School
• Thurso High School
• Uddingston Grammar School

Keep up to date with all the latest news by following #DewarDebate on Twitter.

Whether you are experienced or new to debating - get involved with Scotland's biggest high school debating competition today. Debating is a great way to not only start learning and developing new skills but it can also help to improve your public speaking skills and develop your self-confidence. David Blair, past participant and now a judge in the tournament, explains how being involved has helped him in his role as a solicitor.