Debating is an activity on offer to all BSK students in the Middle, Upper and Sixth Form Departments of the school. It is a stimulating, academic activity which helps students to develop research skills, the ability to formulate and exemplify arguments, and greater self-confidence.

What is debate?

Debate is a formal contest of argumentation between two teams or individuals. But more broadly, and more importantly, debate is an essential tool for developing and maintaining democracy and open societies. More than a mere verbal or performance skill, debate embodies the ideals of reasoned argument, tolerance for divergent points of view, and rigorous self-examination. Debate is, above all, a way for those who hold opposing views to discuss controversial issues without descending to insult, emotional appeals, or personal bias.

A key trademark of debate is that it rarely ends in agreement, but rather, allows for a robust analysis of the question at hand. Perhaps this is what French philosopher Joseph Joubert meant when he said: “It is better to debate a question without settling it, than to settle a question without debating it.”

The debating process

Teams are presented with a motion. The team proposing the motion speaks first. The opposing team then must refute the arguments offered by the proposing team and offer arguments rejecting the motion. Both sides are given the opportunity to present their positions and to directly question the opposing team. Neutral judges then evaluate the persuasiveness of the arguments and offer constructive feedback on such elements as faulty logic, insufficient evidence, and arguments debaters may have overlooked. Debate teams are judged strictly on the merits of their arguments and are marked across three categories – content, style and strategy.

Why debate?

The process of debate offers profound and lasting benefits for individuals, for societies, and indeed, for the global community as a whole. With its emphasis on critical thinking, effective communication, independent research, and teamwork, debate teaches skills that serve individuals well in school, in the workplace, in political life, and in fulfilling their responsibilities as citizens. Once students have learned how to debate, they are better able to critically examine the pronouncements of their political representatives and to make informed judgments about crucial issues. Debating can help to foster international understanding, cooperation, and a free and lively exchange of ideas. It brings together students from around the world and from vastly different backgrounds. BSK students are regularly involved in national competitions such as the Kuwait Youth Debating Championship (KYDC), as well as international events such as the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC). These events offer much more than a mere contest of formal argumentation. By their very nature, WSDC debates break down national, economic, cultural, and ethnic boundaries, showing that opposing views can be explored in a way that connects rather than divides people. It is a process that both embodies and encourages peaceful discussion over aggressive confrontation. In recent years students from BSK have debated against teams from around the world in international tournaments held in Wales, South Korea, USA, Greece and Qatar.

Interested?

If you are thinking about getting involved in debating at BSK, please speak to Mrs Emma Bowie for further information.