Camden School for Girls student running debating programme to ensure state school kids get voices heard

Acland Burghley bagged first place in the Camden Debating Challenge. (Image: Archant)

Bluebelle Carroll, who attends Camden School for Girls, was compelled to start the scheme in light of funding cuts to schools across the borough.

Three training sessions were held for 24 students at comprehensive schools across Camden where the basic skills of debating were honed by teams of public speakers.

A finals day was held at Camden Town Hall, where issues such as banning meat and whether national service should be compulsory were debated, with Acland Burghley School coming out on top.

Bluebelle said: “The cuts to education across the country is devastating on a day to day basis, with so many of the things my generation values most about school being cut for no other reason than money.

William Ellis School were runners up in the Camden Debating Challenge. (Image: Archant)

“While my school is lucky enough to have a teacher willing to give his own time to run a debating society, so many schools simply don’t have that luxury, and given public speaking is one of the most important skills in life, the disadvantage this gives to state school students is not helping to lessen the gap between the state and private sectors.

“Because of this, I decided to start a local debating program in which every student is given the skills necessary to express their thoughts and make their voices heard.”

Camden Debating Challenge. (Image: Archant)