This year, students at Kells Academy were introduced to a new style of debating by the McGill Debating Union, and had the opportunity to train with other debaters from across Canada. In the British Parliamentary style (BP), each side is composed of two teams, supporting a similar stance, who try to convince the judges that they are more correct than the other group on their own side, as well as their opposition! Practicing with other debaters and participating in a seminar given by senior university debaters was a terrific experience.
Our debating students represented Kells well in competition this year. Senior students, Yasmeen D. and Clarisa R., grade 11, took first place at the Aristotle Cup, hosted by the Marianopolis College Debating Society. Both students also won individual placements in the Speaker categories with Yasmeen taking first and Clarisa taking second place. Kells was also represented by grade 11 students Christina P. and Huy H. A total of 28 teams from across Quebec competed in the first senior tournament of the year.
Yasmeen D. and Clarisa R. also competed in the 9th annual Oxford Cup Debating Tournament in Vancouver, BC. They faced six rounds of tough competition, debating against debaters on the Canadian World’s team. The Kells team placed 29th out of the top 44 teams in Canada. A great accomplishment!
Yasmeen and Clarisa were the top Quebec team at the Queens University Tournament with 106 teams competing. Yasmeen was the top Quebec speaker at the tournament. These unstoppable debaters also ranked as the top Quebec team at the Osgoode Tournament at York University, with 72 teams competing. In addition, Yasmeen and Clarisa also attended the Durham Schools Debating Competition at Durham University, England on March 22nd, 2014. Kells was one of the one hundred and thirty two teams competing at this tournament. Kells students placed 35th and came very close breaking into the quarter finals. Yasmeen placed 35th while Clarisa placed 80th out of the 264 debaters from the UK, Greece, and the Netherlands and more!
Junior debaters, Diana B., India L., Deneale R.S., and Charlotte W., grade 7, participated in the “Shakespeare Challenge” junior debating tournament hosted by Vincent Massey Collegiate. Diana and Charlotte placed 13th out of 18 teams. Great work for their 2nd tournament! India and Deneale, in their first tournament, placed 19th and 23rd as individual speakers out of 36 debaters. Terrific! Kells Academy was pleased to host the 4th Junior Debate Tournament of the Quebec Student Debating Association which was well attended by 7 Montreal private schools.
Coaches Chung and Campbell are extremely proud of all debaters who competed and look forward to many more successful debates.
