Thurso team through to semi-finals of Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament
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A debating team from Thurso High School has again qualified for the semi-finals of a prestigious national competition.
Head girl Ashleigh Coghill, from Dunnet, and head boy Kyle Leavesley, from Reay, are representing the school in this year's Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
It is Scotland's largest national debating challenge for schools and is dedicated to the memory of former First Minister Donald Dewar MSP.
The sixth-year duo secured their place in the latter stages after competing in Aberdeen. Rachel Gallagher and Simi Ogedengbe from the city's Albyn School also won through.
With 16 teams left in the competition, the semi-finals on March 9 will involve four heats of four teams.
Thurso coach Alexis Wallace said: "I am delighted that our teams have done so well in the tournament over the years.
"The second round is often in the Inverness area, but this year the nearest schools still in the competition were in Aberdeen – meaning an overnight trip during prelim time.
"I was very impressed with our pupils' organisation. We got the motion just before Christmas and they spent a lot of time in their holidays researching it while revising for prelims.
"They had to propose abolishing the 'not proven' verdict and even researched university research papers to help formulate their argument.
"They had to debate against Banchory Academy, and the other debate was Albyn School versus St Margaret's School for Girls. Only two teams could progress to the next round and Thurso was chosen as one of them.
"It was lovely to be debating in person again after two years of online debates and good to see the pupils chatting with pupils from the other schools afterwards.
"We were able to go on a tour of Albyn School the next day as well as visit Aberdeen Art Gallery."
The Thurso High School representatives received funding to help with travel costs. Support came from Stroupster Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland, and some money was also received from the parent/teacher association.
Mrs Wallace added: “Our rurality makes attending these competitions more challenging than for other schools. The next round will also mean an overnight trip and lots more planning.
“However, the experience is definitely worth the effort. Kyle and Ashleigh did a great job and have been great ambassadors for Thurso High School.
"We have made it to the semi-finals five times in a row now. Thurso High is definitely on the debating map!”
