This is a squad that will run throughout the academic year of 2022/23 teaching students how to formally debate using the rules of the World Schools Debating Championships. The pupils had to complete a written application and were then shortlisted to the interview process. For the interview students had to answer general knowledge questions, to discuss their opinions on recent news articles and finally prepare and deliver a one minute speech in the style of a closing argument on a topic of their choice. 8 out of the 12 students from SSSO have been successful with their application and are now on the team. They will receive two week intensive course of debating over the summer followed by training every two weeks with the coaches from England Schools Debating once the academic year begins in September. The Head Coach and England Schools Debating also said “SSSO were the top performing state school in the country for applicants - the next highest only had 5 students selected for the team! Everyone else only got 1 or 2!”

The successful Year 9 students were:

Congratulations to the students on their amazing achievement and this brilliant opportunity