Pupils vying for the Trinity Cup in a school tournament
In a captivating display of intellectual prowess and virtuous discourse, the Trinity Cup debating competition took place at Notre Dame on June 22. The event, sponsored by DialogueWorks' Nick Chandley and Leeds Trinity University's David Ellis, brought together 28 Year 9 and 10 pupils from various schools, including St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, and Holy Family Catholic High School, Carlton.
The day-long competition saw the students engaged in thought-provoking discussions about a range of topics, including parenting, the origins of the universe, and religious beliefs. The questions posed to the young debaters were designed to stimulate critical thinking and promote open dialogue, with queries such as 'Do you have to be strict to be a good parent?', 'Does science or religion give a better explanation of where the universe came from?' and 'Does a "proper" Christian have to be poor?'.
Nick Chandley, impressed by the participants' involvement and ability to engage with the debate questions, expressed his admiration for all involved. The judges, he stated, were highly impressed with the pupils' collaborative skills, demonstrating a commendable level of maturity and understanding for their age.
In a remarkable turn of events, a student from St John Fisher Catholic High School was awarded the individual Stella Maris prize for virtue, while Holy Family Catholic High School took home the team trophy.
While information about the Trinity Cup debating competition for Year 9 and 10 pupils at Notre Dame is not widely available online, the event's sponsors, Nick Chandley and David Ellis, have been instrumental in its organisation. For those interested in learning more about the competition or similar events, it is recommended to visit the official Notre Dame school or event websites, or to contact the organising body directly.
Engaging in both education-and-self-development, the pupils demonstrated their learning abilities through critical thinking during the debates at the Trinity Cup competition. The event aimed to provide opportunities for the participants to enhance their skills in open dialogue and collaborative discussions.
