“In many mainstream educational settings, students are often
not able to question or challenge the ideas presented to them; debate gives them
a platform do just that, but in a productive and structured way. We don't
argue, we debate, and that distinction is one that students carry with them
after leaving the classroom. I would regularly hear continued conversations at
tables in the cafeteria as debate students excitedly shared the day's topics
with their friends, referencing both sides of the issue and wanting to continue
learning on their own time.”
[Emily Ray, Debate Teacher, St Andrews 2016]