Durham Schools Debating Competition 2023

Earlier in the Spring Term, Habs’ Boys’ sent seven strong teams to one of the pinnacles of the debating calendar, Durham Schools.

The teams had a challenging first day, debating motions about the the gig economy and the purpose of prisons. On the second day, the teams debated about the resignation of MP’s and whether satirical news programs such as Mock the Week are beneficial.

At the end of the four qualification rounds, Habs Team 1 (Alex and Fola) broke for the open quarter finals, and Habs Team 3 (Richard and Lucas) for the novice semi-finals.

After a great performance in the qualification rounds by Habs Team 3, they debated whether rap should be on the literature curriculum in the semi-finals and lost after a very close case debate.

Habs Team 1, in the quarter finals, debated whether inter-generational conflict is productive, and after a great performance qualified for the semis. In the semis they debated on US and Saudi Arabian foreign relations, running a case on the economic benefits and moral responsibilities for the US to break geo-political ties. It was a very close call, with Habs Team 1 unfortunately losing out on a 3-2 judge split.

It was a fantastic display of debating and we are very proud of all the teams that participated. Well done!