Primary schools are neck-and-neck in the debate competition

Six primary schools held a debate competition in the council chamber at County Hall in Northallerton.

North Yorkshire Council leader Roberta Swiers chaired and chaired the lively debate, which took place on October 17th.

Sixth graders from Broomfield, Mill Hill, Osmotherley, Romanby, Alverton and Applegarth schools took part in the debate. The motion said: “This House believes that every child in school should have a mobile phone” – a current and contentious issue.

Two students from each school spoke in the debate, one for and one against. They were supported by their colleagues in the audience, who also asked questions.

(Image: DAVID LOCK)

The event was organized by Ken Blackwood from the Rotary Club of Northallerton, who have been running these competitions for many years. The debate papers were judged by Rotarians Tom Banfield, Christine Mason and Ian Isherwood.

“The judges were particularly impressed by the confidence and quality of the debaters, so choosing the winning school was difficult,” said Ian. “However, the unanimous decision was to award the trophy to Joshua and Alyssa from Romanby School for their clarity, persuasiveness and professional approach.”

Unsurprisingly, the motion was approved by the children when it was voted on.