College debates in Munster championships
A DEBATING team from Castleisland Community College has reached the quarter-finals of the Munster Schools’ Championships.
The team was mentored by teachers, Ciaran Doyle and Annette Steinborn and the event was held at University College Cork and organised by the UCC Philosophical Society.
This is the second year of entry in the championship having reached the semi finals last year. Castleisland Community College is the only school from the Kerry Education and Training Board that participated in this prestigious event.
The other schools from Kerry that participated are: Mercy Mounthawk; St Brendan’s College, Killarney and Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine. Debating is an integral part of the extra-curricular programme at Castleisland Community College and is coordinated by Mr. Doyle and Ms. Steinborn
The Munster School Debating Championship is styled in a format which involves teams of speakers from senior cycle delivering prepared speeches and engaging with the arguments of the opposing teams.
The motions for the debates vary in subject matter and presents students with a variety of topics to suit all interests. The debates are normally on social affairs, and provide participants from all over Munster with a great opportunity to meet new and like-minded students from other counties as well as the opportunity to enhance their communication and research skills.
Participation at debating events enhances literacy skills and develops a student’s confidence to express viewpoints on a wide array of university standard topics.
“Participation in this event gave students the opportunity to visit University College Cork campus and reflect on their future careers,” said Mr. Doyle the teacher of English at the community college.
The other schools competing in the group included: Christian Brothers College Cork; Bandon Grammar School; Ashton College; St. Aloysius College Carrigtwohill; Ursuline College, Blackrock; Mater Dei; Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine; St. Francis College, Rochestown; Colaiste agus Spioraid Naoimh and Mercy Mounthawk.