Thurso High debating duo are national runners-up
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Two Thurso High School pupils gained national recognition for their debating skills after receiving a “wildcard” entry to the final of a prestigious annual competition.
Kieran Johns (S6) and Kyle Leavesley (S4) were chosen as runners-up in the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, and their coach hopes their success can lead to more events taking place locally or regionally.
The Thurso pupils were delighted earlier this year to reach the semi-finals of the Law Society competition for the fourth time. Despite putting in an impressive performance, the team was not chosen to progress to the final.
Coach Alexis Wallace explained: “The semi-finals are a real challenge for us as the speakers only have one hour to prepare and are not allowed to use any technology. It is a great skill to be able to talk off the cuff for six minutes, but it takes a lot of confidence and practice.
"However, we were thrilled when the Law Society contacted me to say that a team had pulled out of the final and they wanted Thurso High to take its place. We jumped at the chance and the boys put a lot of work into research and preparation.
"They gave a great performance and were chosen as the runner-up team after Peebles High, who have won three times in the last four years. What a great result for a 'wildcard' team!”
Kieran and Kyle are relatively new to debating and they also had to contend with the challenges of competing online.
The final is normally held in the Scottish Parliament. Mrs Wallace said that while this would have been a great experience it was a relief, after a stressful school year, not to have to organise all the travel.
“Taking on this competition is a big commitment and I am so proud of Kyle and Kieran and last year’s competitors, Aidan Urquhart and Ross Dunbar – they have risen to the challenge of taking on some of the best young debaters in Scotland and really raised their game," she said.
"Aidan even entered a national competition by himself and won. I am not being modest when I say that they are so much better at debating than I was at their age.
"We are now hoping that someone might take on the challenge of becoming Kyle’s new debating partner, now that Kieran has left school."
Thurso High won money towards books from event sponsor Hodder Gibson and £250 towards developing debating in the school.
"It would be great to encourage some more local or Highland debating events," Mrs Wallace added. "Recently I started up a junior lunchtime debating session and we have some talented young speakers in it, so I look forward to seeing what they can achieve over their time in Thurso High School.”
