Pupils to talk the talk for a spot in debate cup final
Hamilton and EK schools face-off in Scullion LAW contest
Four county schools are all set to go head-to-head for a place in the final of this year’s Scullion LAW Interschool Debating Cup.
Hamilton schools St John Ogilvie High and Holy Cross High will be up against East Kilbride’s Duncanrig Secondary and St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High when they face-off on Tuesday.
Ten schools signed up for the competition, now in its eighth year, and those who took part in the first round on October 24 but didn’t progress were Hamilton Grammar, Our Lady’s, Taylor High, Uddingston Grammar, Strathaven Academy and Trinity High.
Scullion LAW runs the competition to inspire pupils from the local area, encouraging them to grow in confidence, form opinions and argue their points in a safe environment.
Several pupils who have taken part in the competition have gone on to study law, English and politics or business. Nicholas Scullion, managing partner, said: “The people of Lanarkshire are core to the success and development of Scullion LAW, so it is very important for us as a local business to give something positive back to our community.
“It is very encouraging for us, as a small local business, to be able to proudly associate ourselves with the incredible talent and youth in our society.
“We believe the Debating Cup is something that leaves a positive and lasting impression on their lives.
“We do not have multi-million pound budgets, but what we do invest is our time and effort in their development by working closely with the teachers and schools.
“The annual debating competition gives pupils a platform to share their opinions, and we take the time to listen to them.
“This makes the pupils, teachers and staff all feel valued and fills us with pride as we see the pupils progress and grow in confidence week by week as the competition nears the final.”
Topics discussed during the competition have so far included penalising sporting teams for poor behaviour of their fans; whether Scottish university students should be required to work in their country of origin for a number of years after graduation and the banning of security cameras as an invasion of privacy.
Mr Scullion added: “There are so many talented pupils out there. We are thrilled by their ongoing commitment, and our doors at Scullion LAW are always open.”
The semi-final is on Tuesday, November 7, from 4.30pm-6pm, with the final on Wednesday, November 22, from 6pm-8pm.