The University of Warwick in partnership with Warwick Debating Society wish to invite your school to participate in the Warwick EU Referendum Schools Debate 2016 (WEURSD). The WEURSD will be held at the University of Warwick on Monday 20^th June 2016. It will be a competition specifically aimed at beginner school debaters, allowing them to engage with British Parliamentary (BP) style debating. The WEURSD will have an inclusive atmosphere with a strong equity basis, in order to ensure a competitive, yet friendly environment for your student debaters. We envisage the debate being suitable for students in Years 7 to 10.

 

The WEURSD will have three preliminary rounds, in which debaters will address motions on different aspects of referendums and the EU generally. In the final, the motion will be the same as that on the Referendum ballot paper three days later.

 

There is no need for schools to have experience with the BP style of debating; there will be an introductory talk before the debates start that will clearly and concisely explain what the format of BP debating is and what students are required to do. There will also be literature sent to schools beforehand so you are able to prepare your students, if you wish to do so. Your students will be judged by experienced Warwick Debating Society Students, as well university students from other local universities. There will be prizes awarded to the winners, runners up and the best speakers at the event.

 

Each school is able to submit a maximum of TWO teams. A team consists of two students. If you would like to apply for more teams, you will be put on waiting list and find out two weeks before the event if you have had any other teams allocated. This event is free and lunch will be provided for students and teachers. We will expect schools to arrive between 8.30am-9.10am for a start time of 9.15 and the event will conclude around 5.30pm.

 

We are very pleased to be able to hold this event for local schools in what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to debate this historic issue and we are seeking the widest possible involvement from our partner schools.  If you are interested in entering teams in to this event, please email warwickschools2016@gmail.com outlining how many teams you wish to enter by Friday June 6^th 2016.

 

We look forward to seeing you in June. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.