Stratford School Academy Shines at Urban Debate League Round 1!
School Events
Stratford School Academy proudly hosted the first round of the annual Urban Debate League, bringing together schools from across London for an exciting evening of debate. The event, held at the Upton Lane campus, saw passionate discussions, critical thinking, and outstanding performances from all participants.
Our school entered four teams into the competition, and they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and skill. The hard work and dedication paid off as our students secured victories in 5 out of 8 debates—a truly remarkable achievement!
This year’s debate motion, sponsored by Comic Relief, was: ‘This House Believes that international aid is most effective when delivered through local communities.’ With the stakes higher than ever, competitors engaged in thoughtful and persuasive arguments in hopes of advancing further in the competition.
The Urban Debate League presents an extraordinary opportunity, as the two highest-scoring teams from across the UK will earn a coveted spot in the Grand Final, which will be held at 10 Downing Street. The final debate will be chaired by Keir Starmer, alongside a mystery celebrity guest, adding to the excitement of the competition.
In addition to this incredible opportunity, participating schools may also have the chance to feature live on television during Red Nose Day on March 21st, making this an unforgettable experience for all involved.
A huge congratulations to our talented debaters: Zunia Z, Sanam D, Nabiha K, Safa H, Alamia Z, Dhriti P, Samah R, Zain I, Ameerah M, Krina S, Hannah O, Humza A, Anuva R, Laurence S, Valeriu M, Tyra N, Sophia I, Unwana E, Ryan R, and Kent K. Their hard work and dedication were evident throughout the competition, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.
Reflecting on the experience, Humza A (7GR) shared his excitement: "It was an amazing event where we could showcase our debating skills, compete against top schools, and fight for a chance to debate at 10 Downing Street—and even meet the Prime Minister of the UK! The experience was unforgettable!"
We can’t wait to see what’s next for our talented debaters and look forward to the upcoming rounds of the competition. Well done, Stratford School Academy!
